Nasomh - National Association of State Offices of Minority Health

10/09/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer affects women in every community, but not everyone experiences the same outcomes.

Black women are 38% more likely to die from breast cancer than White women, and breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death among Hispanic women in the United States.

This month is an important reminder to:

Know your risk and family history
Talk with your health care provider about breast cancer screening
Encourage the women in your life to stay up to date with recommended screenings
Share trusted breast health information in your community
Awareness matters. Access matters. Early detection matters.

Learn more about breast cancer, risk factors, and screening from the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/

10/09/2026

Become a NASOMH Member

Join a national network of public health professionals and partners working to advance minority health across the country.

As a NASOMH member, you can connect with colleagues, share resources and ideas, build meaningful partnerships, and stay engaged in efforts that support healthier communities.

Connect. Collaborate. Make an impact.

Become part of a national network dedicated to creating healthier, stronger, and more equitable communities.

Learn more about NASOMH and membership opportunities: nasomh.org

09/18/2026

The Common Ground National Faith and Community-Based Behavioral Health Conference will take place September 24–25, 2026, in Lewisville, Texas.

The conference brings together faith communities, healthcare and behavioral health professionals, educators, nonprofits, and community leaders to strengthen behavioral health through collaboration.

Topics will include behavioral health, public health and prevention, recovery, trauma, youth wellness, community advocacy, human trafficking, and strategies for building healthier and more resilient communities. Continuing Education (CE) credits are also available.

📅 September 24–25, 2026
📍 Westside Baptist Church | Lewisville, Texas

Learn more and register:
https://www.eventcreate.com/e/commongroundnationalconference

09/10/2026

NASOMH recognizes National Voter Registration Day, a nationwide, nonpartisan effort to help eligible voters register to vote and make sure their registration information is current.

Whether you have recently moved, changed your name, or simply have not checked your registration in a while, National Voter Registration Day is a good reminder to make sure your information is up to date.

Take a moment to check your registration status and explore voter registration resources:

https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/

09/10/2026

NASOMH is pleased to welcome Dr. Portia Pope, PhD, MPA, and Dr. Chychy Nwanze-Smith, DrPH, MPH, MCHES, to our Board of Directors!

Dr. Pope, Deputy Director in North Carolina, brings more than 25 years of leadership experience across public health, government, nonprofit, academic, and community-based settings. She will serve as NASOMH’s Region IV Liaison.

Dr. Nwanze-Smith, a public health practitioner in Arkansas, brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience developing strategies and partnerships that advance health equity and strengthen health practices. She will serve as NASOMH’s Region VI Liaison.

We look forward to the experience, perspectives, and leadership they will bring as NASOMH continues to strengthen partnerships and support State Offices of Minority Health across the country.

We’re excited to welcome Dr. Pope and Dr. Nwanze-Smith to the NASOMH Board of Directors and look forward to their contributions!

08/27/2026

Protecting Communities Through Immunization

August is National Immunization Awareness Month, a time to highlight the important role vaccines play in protecting individuals, families, and communities.

Public health professionals and community partners play an important role in sharing trusted information, addressing barriers to vaccination, and helping communities access recommended vaccines.

Learn more about recommended vaccines and immunization resources from the CDC:

Find information related to Vaccines and Immunizations.

03/06/2026

Reminder: Nominations close March 13!
Don't miss your chance to nominate a leader for the 2026 Cheryl Boyce Leadership Award, honoring individuals advancing minority health and carrying forward Cheryl Boyce's legacy of impact and excellence.
Learn more & submit your nomination: https://nasomh.webflow.io/programs.
Nomination form: https://us19.list-manage.com/survey?u=2828f07a334a71c2f54a67efc&id=ed8d6dc25a&e=*|UNIQID|*

03/06/2026

Registration is still open! Join the National Association of State Offices of Minority Health for the 2026 NASOMH Annual Meeting & Health Equity Training, April 26–28, 2026, at the Renaissance Chicago North Shore Hotel. Connect with minority health leaders from across the nation, learn new strategies, build partnerships, and advance health equity. Hotel block available until April 6 (first-come, first-served); please register before booking your room. Don’t wait — secure your spot today! https://nasomh.webflow.io/annual-meeting-registration

02/20/2026

February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on heart health, prevention, and the steps we can take to protect ourselves and our communities. Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death, and learning about risk factors and healthy habits can truly save lives.

Whether it’s eating better, moving more, checking blood pressure, or talking with a healthcare provider, small changes add up. The American Heart Association offers helpful information and tools to support heart health at every age: https://www.heart.org/en/american-heart-month

Take time this month to learn about your heart, support loved ones, and share knowledge that can make a difference.

02/20/2026

February 20 is a National Caregivers Day. We honor caregivers, the family members, friends, and professionals who dedicate themselves to supporting loved ones, patients, and communities. Caregivers play a critical role in health equity by helping ensure that everyone, including those in minority communities, has access to the care and support they need.
February 20 is National Caregivers Day. We honor caregivers, the family members, friends, and professionals who dedicate themselves to supporting loved ones, patients, and communities. Caregivers play a critical role in health equity by helping ensure everyone, including those in minority communities, has access to the care and support they need. Caregiving can be challenging, and access to trusted information and resources makes a difference. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services offers tools and guidance to help caregivers manage care and support their own well-being: https://www.hhs.gov/programs/providers-and-facilities/resources-for-caregivers/index.html. Your compassion, commitment, and resilience strengthen families, communities, and public health. Thank you for all that you do.
Caregiving can be challenging, and access to trusted information and resources makes a difference. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services offers tools and guidance to help caregivers manage care and support their own well-being:

https://www.hhs.gov/programs/providers-and-facilities/resources-for-caregivers/index.html

Your compassion, commitment, and resilience strengthen families, communities, and public health. Thank you for all that you do.