National Academies Press Examining the Health Disparities Research Plan of the National Institutes of Health: Unfinished Business

In the United States, health among racial and ethnic minorities, as well as poor people, is significantly worse than the overall U.S. population. Health disparities are reflected by indices such as excess mortality and morbidity and shorter life expectancy. Examining the Health Disparities Research Plan of the National Institutes of Health is an assessment of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Strategic Research Plan and Budget to Reduce and Ultimately Eliminate Health Disparities. It focuses on practical solutions to remedy the state of the current health disparity crisis. The NIH has played the leading role in conducting extensive research on minority health and health disparities for more than two decades. Although additional research is critical to facilitating a better understanding of the overarching social, economic, educational, and environmental factors that predispose groups to specific diseases and conditions, there is also a great need to translate the existing and new information into best care practices. This means increasing communication with affected populations and their communities. Examining the Health Disparities Research Plan of the National Institutes of Health presents solutions to improving the health disparities nationwide and evaluates the NIH strategy plan designed to actively correct and combat the ongoing health disparities dilemma. Table of Contents Front Matter Executive Summary 1 Introduction 2 Health Disparities: Concepts, Measurements, and Understanding 3 Development and Availability of the Strategic Plan 4 Budget and Finances 5 The National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities 6 Management of the Strategic Plan and the Health Disparities Research Program References Appendix A PUBLIC LAW 106-525-NOV. 22, 2000 Appendix B Agendas of Open Meetings Appendix C List of Participants Providing Testimony or Written Commentary to the Committee Appendix D Overview of Health Disparities--Nancy E. Adler, Ph.D. Appendix E Schematic Diagram Showing Differences, Disparities, and Discrimination in Health Care Appendix F National Institutes of Health NIH Health Strategic Plan Fiscal Years 2004-2008, Volume I Appendix G Public Communications and Its Role in Reducing and Eliminating Health Disparities--Kasisomayajula Viswanath, Ph.D. Appendix H NIH Committee on Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Definitions and Application Methodology Appendix I Acronyms Appendix J Centers of Excellence Funded by the National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 2005 Appendix K NCMHD Endowment Program Awardees Appendix L Summary of Recommendations Appendix M Committee and Staff Biographies Index