FY2027 MINORITY OUTREACH AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

2026-11-03

The purpose of the MOTA program is to improve the health outcomes of racial and ethnic minority communities through community engagement , partnerships , outreach , technical assistance , and ongoing intervention with individuals with demonstrated need . The health conditions targeted by the MOTA program have the following significance for Maryland ’ s minority population : a . Asthma : Asthma is a life - threatening chronic lung disease which can result in episodes of chest tightness , coughing , wheezing , and shortness of breath . Asthma attacks can be triggered by environmental and lifestyle factors such as air pollution , allergens , tobacco smoke , infections and exercise . Rates of asthma - related emergency department visits are almost four times as high for Non - Hispanic Blacks compared to non - Hispanic Whites . b . Cardiovascular diseases : Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Maryland and stroke is the third leading cause . Heart disease accounts for just under one quarter of deaths in Maryland . Heart disease death rates have the largest minority disparity from the perspective of excess minority deaths per 100 , 000 people . c . Cancer : Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Maryland , very close behind heart disease . Cancer accounts for just under one quarter of deaths in Maryland . Cancer death rates have the second largest minority disparity from the perspective of excess minority deaths per 100 , 000 people . d . Diabetes / Prediabetes : Diabetes is the sixth leading cause of death in Maryland . Black diabetes death rates are twice as high as White death rates . Rates of emergency room visits and hospital admissions for diabetes are about three times as high for Non - Hispanic Blacks as compared to Non - Hispanic Whites . Diabetes is also a risk factor for heart disease , stroke , amputations , blindness , kidney failure , and nerve damage . e . Obesity : Obesity rates are higher for minority persons than for Whites . Obesity is a cause of cardiovascular disease , some cancers , diabetes , high blood pressure , and some types of arthritis . f . Pregnancy and Birth Outcomes : Poor birth outcomes such as infant mortality , low birth weight , need for neonatal intensive care , and subsequent lifelong health problems , are more common in Maryland ’ s minority population . Non - Hispanic Black infant mortality is generally about 2 . 5 to 3 . 0 times as high as Non - Hispanic White infant mortality . Minority maternal mortality is also significantly higher . g . Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders : Accurate measurement of mental health disparities is limited by low use of mental health services by minority populations , leading to an undercount of the frequency of these disorders among minorities . Some analysis has indicated that minority mental health disorders are at least as frequent if not higher , but the use of mental health services is about half , compared to the Non - Hispanic White population . Substance use disorders and overdose death rates are also higher in some minority populations .

Maryland

2026-05-02