Background
The National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD) serves as the focal point for leading the planning and coordination of minority health and health disparities research within the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The NCMHD is legislatively authorized to lead the development and ongoing update of the NIH health disparities research agenda. In 2002, the NCMHD, in collaboration with the NIH Institutes and Centers and NIH's Office of the Director, developed the first comprehensive NIH health disparities strategic plan: NIH Strategic Research Plan and Budget to Reduce and Ultimately Eliminate Health Disparities, Fiscal Years 2002–2006. The plan was developed with substantial input from academia, health care professionals, and representatives of communities that disproportionately experience disparities in health. The plan documents NIH’s major priorities and continuing commitment to implementing Public Law 106-525, The Minority Health and Health Disparities Research and Education Act of 2000.
The Strategic Plan has three main goals:
- Research — to investigate the development and progression of diseases and disabilities that cause disparities in health in minority and other populations.
- Research Infrastructure — to increase minority health and health disparities research training, career development, and institutional capacity.
- Public Information and Community Outreach — to ensure that the public, healthcare professionals, and research communities are informed about the latest advances in health disparities research.
