GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

May 10, 2007

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS TO THE Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, FOR EFFORTS TO raise awareness about HEALTH DISPARITIES AMONG NORTH CAROLINIANS OF DIFFERENT RACIAL

SECTION 1. This act shall be known as the Hall‑Allen‑Hunter‑Holloman‑Lucas‑Martin Health Disparities Reduction Act of 2007.

SECTION 2. Of the funds appropriated in the Current Operations and Capital Improvement Appropriations Act of 2007 to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Public Health, for the Community‑Focused Elimination of Health Disparities Initiative, the sum of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) in each fiscal year shall be used for concerted efforts to address health disparities among African-American and other minority populations in North Carolina by:

(1) Instituting a pilot program for nurse practitioners to travel throughout the State to provide routine health care at community centers, high schools, and churches.

(2) Providing enhanced education and outreach to minority populations on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of heart disease, breast cancer, diabetes, obesity, and HIV infection.

(3) Addressing cultural and communication barriers to quality care by improving interpersonal processes between clinicians and patients.

SECTION 3. This act becomes effective July 1, 2007.