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A health disparity a particular type of health difference that is closely linked with social, economic, and/or environmental disadvantage. Health disparities adversely affect groups of people who have systematically experienced greater obstacles to health based on their racial or ethnic group; religion; socioeconomic status; gender; age; mental health; cognitive, sensory, or physical disability; sexual orientation or gender identity; geographic location; or other characteristics historically linked to discrimination or exclusion

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Minority Health established The National Partnership for Action to End Health Disparities (NPA) in response to a call to action for a nationwide, comprehensive, community-driven, sustained approach to combating health disparities and achieving health equity. The main goal of this initiative is to foster community involvement and broad-based partnerships at all levels and among a range of sectors, particularly those at the front-line of fighting health disparities. Key components of the NPA include the National Stakeholder Strategy (NSS) and; Blueprints for Action that are aligned with the NSS and guide action at the local, state and regional levels. Partners across the public and private sectors in support of the NPA will be encouraged to undertake targeted initiatives.

The mission of the NPA is to increase the effectiveness of programs that target the elimination of health disparities by fostering effective coordination of partners, leaders, and stakeholders who are committed to action. Based on a "community up" approach, the NPA serves as a catalyst for collective leadership action by organizations at every level of engagement around five main goals:

1. AWARENESS-Increase awareness of the significance of health disparities, their impact on the nation, and the actions necessary to improve health outcomes for racial, ethnic, and underserved populations.
2. LEADERSHIP-Strengthen and broaden leadership for addressing health disparities at all levels.
3. HEALTH SYSTEM AND LIFE EXPERIENCE- Improve health and healthcare outcomes for racial, ethnic, and underserved populations.
4. CULTURAL AND LINGUISTIC COMPETENCY-Improve cultural and linguistic competency and the diversity of the health-related workforce.
5. DATA, RESEARCH, AND EVALUATION-Improve data availability, and coordination, utilization, and diffusion of research and evaluation outcomes.

The National Stakeholder Strategy for Achieving Health Equity (NSS) explains the goals, strategies and actions that can be taken at the regional, state, and local levels to implement change and advance health equity. The overall vision of the NSS is to promote systematic and systemic change. The 20 strategies, each linked to one of five goals , offer a common reference, language and starting point for those who wish to develop collaborative partnerships to combat health disparities. The National Stakeholder Strategy is closely aligned with Healthy People 2020, the national framework for prevention and health promotion in the United States, and complements the HHS Action Plan.

The populations that the Stakeholder Strategy will be addressing are racial and ethnic minorities; tribal communities; children; older adults; rural and urban populations; people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT); and people with disabilities.

The HHS Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities is the United States Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) first action plan to reduce disparities. It complements The National Stakeholder Strategy for Achieving Health Equity. Through the HHS Action Plan, the Department commits to an ongoing assessment of the effect of policies and programs related to reducing racial and ethnic health disparities. Most importantly, it holds the Department accountable for increasing health insurance coverage, improving quality, building data capacity, preventing disease, and strengthening cultural competency to create a nation free of disparities in health and health care.

The National Partnership for Action comprises a network of action-oriented public, private, and non-profit organizations across the country. These organizations are focused on the prevention and/or reduction of social determinants leading to health disparities amongst a given population.

To become a partner, an organization must agree to conduct at least one substantial activity during the course of the year that is intended to help achieve one or more of the campaign's goals for eliminating health disparities. The activity must be described in sufficient detail so that others will understand the strategy, intended outcomes, and measures of success that the partner will employ. Each NPA partner will also appoint one representative as the primary NPA contact.

Requests to join the partnership will be processed within 30 days of submission. Organizations may submit partnership requests at the link below, by email at info@minorityhealth.hhs.gov, by telephone at 1-855-JOIN-NPA, or by mail at

National Partnership for Action
Office of Minority Health
1101 Wootton Parkway
Suite 600
Rockville, MD 20852.

Please click here to submit an activity for consideration.

"Not yet a partner, but want to show your support for the National Partnership to End Health Disparities? Take the Pledge."

We encourage and welcome partners in the National Partnership for Action to submit promising practices and stories from the field that can be shared with others via the NPA Website, NPA Blog, the Healthy Minorities, Healthier America Newsletter, and other social media platforms.

Partners can share those stories by directly contacting their assigned OMH Partnership Liaison, by telephone at 1-855-JOIN-NPA (1-855-564-6672), or via online submission by clicking here.

Disclaimer: Submission of a promising practice does not guarantee publication.