The Minority Health Advisory Commission was created in November 2, 2005 and established in SB 07-242 on May 15, 2007. The commission provides a formal mechanism for community members to provide input on health programming at the level of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Executive Director, helps the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment determine culturally innovative data collection strategies and strengthens collaborations between the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and communities of color.

The Commission works closely with the Office of Health Disparities to identify and address specific needs in our minority communities. The Commission has a statewide focus, and conducts open meetings in various locations in Colorado. One key responsibility of the Commission is to work in concert with the Board of Health to make funding recommendations for the Health Disparities Grant Program, established with funds appropriated from the Amendment 35 tobacco cash fund. This program provides financial support for local and statewide initiatives that address prevention, early detection, needs assessment, and treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease (including diabetes), and pulmonary disease in minority populations.