Stephen D. Dackin

This strategic plan outlines the goals and strategies for the Ohio Commission on Minority Health from 2026 to 2030. It aims to increase awareness of health disparities and health equity, strengthen leadership and policy agendas for these issues, and improve healthcare access and funding opportunities for racial, ethnic, and underserved populations. Key focus areas include enhancing cultural and linguistic competency in the health workforce, improving data availability, research, and evaluation, and bolstering organizational development through efficiency, funding diversification, and grant oversight.

The meeting included departmental and legislative reports detailing updates from various Ohio departments. The Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) is expanding its telemedicine service and developing a toolkit for supporting children with developmental disabilities. The Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) published annual reports on student diabetes statistics and the utilization of state funding for student support services, with a significant focus on mental health. The Department of Aging (ODA) reported progress on the State Plan on Aging, noting Ohio's designation as an Age-Friendly State, and discussed proposed amendments to the PASSPORT waiver, including adding vehicle modification services and increasing the home modification cap. Senator Craig reported on legislative progress, including the passage of Senate Bills 17 and 253, and ongoing work related to affordable housing and healthcare access. The Grants Committee recommended funding approval for several CY26 Infant Mortality HUB and Evaluation Grants, totaling substantial amounts, and recommended approval for one FY26 Competitive Demonstration Grant and certain FY26 Minority Health Month Grants. The Communications Committee recommended forwarding the final draft of the FY26-FY30 Strategic Plan for approval and discussed the planning for the 2026 Minority Health Month Virtual Event. The Fiscal Committee received a favorable report regarding the FY24/25 Biannual Audit, which had no management comments. The full board approved the 2026-2030 OCMH Strategic Plan and several grant funding recommendations, including $4,680,000 for CY26 Infant Mortality HUB Grants and $175,000 for CY26 Infant Mortality Evaluation Grants.

The 2020-2022 State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) framework focuses on achieving health equity by ensuring all community members have access to affordable, inclusive, and quality infrastructure and services. It identifies three priority factors: community conditions, health behaviors, and access to care. It aims to improve Ohio's performance on three priority health outcomes: mental health and addiction, chronic disease, and maternal and infant health.

This executive plan of action focuses on advancing equity in Ohio's systems, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in state workplaces, embedding equity in programs and policy, and providing tools for statewide partners to advance equity in public service. It includes commitments to build a representative state workforce, address institutional bias, evaluate governance structures, promote community understanding of racism, and improve accessibility to culturally competent information.

This blueprint offers actionable recommendations to eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 outcomes and improve the overall well-being for communities of color in Ohio. It establishes a vision of Ohio as a model of justice, equity, opportunity, and resilience to withstand future challenges.