TCA § 68-1-2203 — Functions

The office of minority health is designated for the following purposes: To assist the commissioner in the assessment of the health needs of the minority populations within the state; To recommend to the commissioner methods and programs that are sensitive and relevant to the unique linguistic, cultural and ethnic characteristics of minority populations; To provide consultation, technical assistance, training, and reference materials regarding health issues of minorities to service providers, organizations and other agencies; To promote awareness of minority health concerns and encourage, promote and aid in the establishment of services to address those concerns; To disseminate information on available minority services; To provide adequate and effective opportunities for minorities to express their views on departmental policy development and program implementation; To coordinate with other agencies providing services to minority populations in an effort to make available services designed to meet the needs of minority residents; To develop local coalitions throughout the state that provide local networks of health organizations and associated agencies, and act as a community focus for minority health related programs; and To seek funding from various entities or sources to carry out or further the purposes of this part.