Hispanics in the United States are almost twice as likely to die from diabetes as non-Hispanic whites.

The infant mortality rate for blacks is more than double that of Caucasians. In Illinois, more than half of all HIV/AIDS cases involve blacks.

Disparities in health and health care issues like these are the focus of April's National Minority Health Month, which aims to raise awareness among minorities.

"Health care is not available to everybody, it has become a luxury," said Joan Maze, assistant director of student activities at Western Illinois University, where free health screenings and other events are planned throughout the month.

"You almost have to have a job or have some other kind of resources (to be able to afford health care)," she said.

"While overall health in the United States and Illinois has improved over the years, not everyone is benefiting equally," said Dr. Eric Whitaker, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a federal agency that conducts health research and education, found that a disproportionate number of minorities are affected by premature death and preventable illnesses.

"Since the number was so disproportionate, (we need to) get more resources and education out to those communities," Maze said.

Preventable diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, cancer and mental illnesses are rampant among blacks, Hispanics, Asians and Native Americans.

For instance, "Asian communities may not suffer so much from obesity, but they do have increasing instances of cancer," Maze said.

"There are a lot of monetary and economic factors," Maze said. "Some communities are impacted by poverty and other issues."