WELCOME
Closing the Health Gap is an educational campaign designed to help make good health an important issue among racial and ethnic minority populations, who are affected by serious diseases and health conditions at far greater rates than other Americans.
In 2002, HHS and its founding partner, the ABC Radio Networks, launched the campaign with a series of health messages for African American communities. In 2003, the campaign expanded its focus to bring the best health information to more communities, including Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Alaska Natives.
A key element of the Closing the Health Gap campaign is the Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day initiative scheduled for the third Tuesday of each September. The focus of the day is to encourage individuals to take charge of their health by visiting a health professional (doctor, nurse, dentist, nurse practitioner, physician assistant or other health provider), making an appointment for a visit, attending a health event in the community or helping a friend, neighbor or family member do the same. Become a Partner in the Take A Loved One to the Doctor Day and help us close the health gap.