Illinois Hosts 14th Minority Health Conference to Combat Health Disparities

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) convened its 14th Annual Minority Health Conference from October 20 to 22, 2025, at the Northern Illinois University Naperville Conference Center. The event, themed "Deepening Commitments to Advancing Health Equity," aimed to address persistent health disparities among the state's minority and underserved populations.

The conference assembled a diverse group of attendees, including healthcare providers, public health professionals, community-based organizations, and faith-based groups. The agenda featured dynamic keynote speakers and specialized tracks focusing on timely and crucial topics related to health equity.

Governor J.B. Pritzker, in a videotaped welcome, emphasized the state's dedication to health equity. "The theme for this year’s conference is ‘Deepening Commitments to Advancing Health Equity’ and I stand in that effort," Pritzker stated. "We’ve made the commitment in Illinois, but we know there is more to do, and it will take all of us to achieve those goals. We’ve done a lot, but the work is not done."

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra highlighted the department's ongoing efforts to eliminate health disparities. "Addressing health disparities remains a top priority for the Department of Public Health," Vohra said. "Achieving health equity requires increasing opportunities for everyone to live the healthiest life possible, no matter who we are, where we live, or how much money we make."

A significant component of the conference was the inaugural Black Youth Suicide Prevention Summit held on October 20. This summit aimed to highlight and address the rising suicide rates among Black youth in Illinois, building upon the 2024 policy academy work of IDPH and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The conference offered four specialized tracks:

1. Emerging Topics in Minority Health: Focused on how societal, political, environmental, and economic circumstances impact health access and outcomes.

2. Innovative & Evidence-Based Approaches & Experiences: Explored innovative strategies and community-driven responses for reducing health disparities and improving population health outcomes.

3. Building Unprecedented Partnerships & Collaboration: Examined health equity advancements through collaboration, emphasizing partnerships beyond traditional allies to improve population health.

4. Understanding Disparities in Healthcare Accessibility: Addressed ways to foster dialogue and collaboration among healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, advocates, and communities to tackle health inequities in healthcare delivery.

The Center for Minority Health Services, established by statute within IDPH, aims to assess the health concerns of minority populations in Illinois and assist in creating and maintaining culturally sensitive programs. Its mission is to improve the health and well-being of Illinois' racial and ethnic minority populations through the development of health policies and culturally and linguistically appropriate programs that will eliminate health disparities.

The conference underscores Illinois' commitment to addressing health disparities and promoting health equity among minority and underserved populations. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, the event fosters collaboration and the sharing of innovative strategies to tackle systemic health inequities.

The 14th Annual Minority Health Conference served as a pivotal platform for stakeholders to deepen their commitment to health equity, share innovative solutions, and foster collaborations aimed at eliminating health disparities among Illinois' minority and underserved populations.