6101 Lake Ellenor Drive, Orlando, Florida 32809
Phone: 407-858-1400
Fax: 407-858-5532

Our History

The Orange County Health Department’s Office of Minority Health was established in 1999 to help address racial and ethnic disparities in health outcomes. Office of Minority Health is only one of two such departments across the state and the goal of this office is to provide leadership in helping to eliminate disparity issues that affect the health of racially and ethnically diverse groups in Orange County (Blacks, Hispanics, Haitians and others). As a result, the Office of Minority Health continues to be actively involved in community efforts as well as in the development of work groups, partnerships, activities and grants with the sole purpose of helping the community grow healthier and stronger. This office knows that the only way to succeed is to strike partnerships with key individuals in the community and to understand the needs of underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.

Over the last 30 years, the population of Orange County has increased by over 160%. With a total population of over one million residents, Orange County boasts not only of a diverse economy, but also a diverse population. The two largest racial and ethnic groups are Blacks (20.4%) and Hispanics (18.8%). The overall health of a community is measured by the overall health of its residents.

• Blacks had the highest cancer death rates for all cancers but particularly high for lung, colon and prostate cancers.
• Breast and lung cancer are the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Hispanics.
• Blacks have the highest death rate as a result of stroke and diabetes.
• Hispanics have the highest death rate as a result of pneumonia and influenza.
• AIDS deaths were 6.1 times higher among Blacks than Whites.
• Blacks have the highest rates of low birth weight and infant mortality than any other racial/ethnic group.
• Black adolescents 15-17 years of age have the highest teen birth rates when compared to their peers.