Feeling “In Control” Tied To Lower Risk Of Depression Among African American Men

African American men who feel "in control" of their lives are less likely to suffer from depressive symptoms, according to a study published recently in the journal Research on Social Work Practice. Research shows that having a sense of control over one's life, a concept also known as "perceived mastery", is tied to better mental health. 

Inadequate Asian Languages Counseling Services by Substance Abuse Treatment Facilities

A new report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), in conjunction with Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, shows that only 2-percent (291) of the nation’s 13,513 substance abuse treatment facilities provide counseling services in various Asian languages. The report also showed that the proportion of facilities offering these services varied by geographic region. The report brings attention to the counseling services being offered in Chinese, Hmong, Korean, Tagalog or Vietnamese, and the benefit to the community.

AIDSVu: Interactive Online Map on National and State-wise HIV Data

AIDSVu is an online tool that makes detailed, yet easy-to-understand, data on persons living with an HIV infection diagnosis in the United States accessible to anyone with an Internet connection. The site provides users with a visual way to understand HIV prevalence data - that is, the number of people who have been diagnosed and are living with HIV - in communities across the country. AIDSVu offers a new and unique way to understand HIV on both a national and local level. AIDSVu also cross-references HIV data with other important information, like population demographics, the location of HIV testing sites and the estimated proportion of HIV diagnoses that are made late in the course of HIV disease.

CDC Survey Features Data & Statistics on Minority Health

Data from a survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) features the health of minority populations such as obesity and physical activity, tobacco use, chronic conditions and clinical care, and screening and immunization.  This data is being collected by the CDC in order to make effective community-level changes to eliminate disparities. To download the data and learn how the CDC is this data to implement, monitor, and evaluate intervention programs in each community. To download the data and read the report, Surveillance of Health Status in Minority Communities --- Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health Across the U.S. (REACH U.S.) Risk Factor Survey, United States, 2009 visit the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report website.

The Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health across the U.S. (REACH U.S.) Risk Factor Survey is conducted annually in minority communities by the CDC. The survey focuses on black, Hispanic, Asian (including Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander), and American Indian (AI) populations. To learn more about REACH visit their website.

New Innovations for Building Cultural and Linguistic Competence (posted 6/3)

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has posted a new resource on their Innovations Exchange website that features new innovations for building cultural and linguistic competence. The page features innovative programs and quality tools that organizations can use to improve cultural and linguistic competence as well as reduce health care disparities for vulnerable populations, including racial and ethnic minorities. Vist this webpage to find new ways your organization can improve cultural and linguistic competence and serve minority populations more effectively.

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