CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Bureau for Public Health has named Taya R. Williams as coordinator of the Office of Minority Health.
The mission of the Office of Minority Health (OMH) is to eliminate health disparities for vulnerable populations as defined by race or ethnicity, socio-economic status, geography, age, disability status, risk status related to sex and gender and other populations identified to be at-risk for health disparities. The Office of Minority Health will coordinate with other Bureau for
Public Health programs and activities related to disease prevention, health promotion, service delivery and research through analysis of existing initiatives and programs to supplement their responsiveness and applicability to vulnerable populations.
The Office of Minority Health will work with West Virginia’s most vulnerable populations to address disease prevention, health promotion, risk reduction, healthier lifestyle choices and the use of health care services, with the ultimate goal of improving access to health care.
“As a physician, I believe every person should have the opportunity to attain his or her full health potential,” said Dr. Letitia Tierney, Commissioner for Public Health and State Health Officer. “The future health of West Virginians will be determined greatly by how successfully we work with communities to eliminate health disparities among those populations experiencing a disproportionate burden of disease, disability and death.
The appointment of Ms. Williams to this important position, at this critical juncture, demonstrates our commitment to moving the needle for all West Virginians. Ms. Williams understands and shares our vision and commitment to the improvement of the health and wellbeing of the people of West Virginia.” Williams, of Huntington, West Virginia, holds a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in public administration from Kentucky State University.
More information about the programs and services offered by the Bureau for Public Health is available online at www.dhhr.wv.gov/bph/.
