Summit Overview
OVERVIEW | OBJECTIVES | WHO SHOULD ATTEND | TRACKS
OVERVIEW
Advances in science, medicine, and technology have the potential to improve health, but large segments of populations in the United States and globally continue to suffer a disproportionate burden of premature death, disability, and disease. There is a growing body of evidence that points to a complex interaction of factors that may contribute to health disparities. These factors include biology, socioeconomics, discrimination, politics, environment, culture, and lack of access to healthcare. At the National Institutes of Health (NIH) we are investing in research to understand health disparities, including how these and other factors relate to produce poor health outcomes. Populations that experience health disparities and are more likely to suffer from diseases and conditions such as diabetes, stroke, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, and obesity include African Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Asian Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders (including Native Hawaiians), and individuals of all races/ethnicities living in poor and medically underserved communities such as rural areas.
Over the past 7 years, NIH has placed increased emphasis on examining the differences in health among populations across diseases through the application of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research approaches.
OBJECTIVES
Click here for a list of Planning Committee Members
The National Center on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NCMHD), with the support of its NIH Institute/Center partners, is convening the first NIH Research Summit on The Science of Eliminating Health Disparities to:
- Showcase the collective contribution of NIH in the development of new knowledge in the Science of Eliminating Health Disparities
- Highlight the progress of NIH minority health and health disparities research activities to improve prevention, diagnostic, and treatment methods
- Increase awareness and understanding of disparities in health
- Showcase best-practice models in research, capacity-building, outreach, and integrated strategies to find solutions to health disparities
- Provide an exciting forum for participants to learn and network with the nation’s multidisciplinary health disparities experts
- Identify gaps in health disparities research
- Allow participants to make recommendations that will shape the NIH health disparities strategic plan
- Establish a framework for ongoing dialogue and creation of innovative and unique partnerships to address disparities in health in all affected communities
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The summit is expected to attract more than 3,000 participants from various disciplines and sectors. It is for anyone interested in best-practice models and strategies with the potential to transform current approaches to health disparities, strengthen the research enterprise, and enhance the translation of research findings, communication, and information dissemination to the affected populations and healthcare professionals.
- Scientists
- Healthcare professionals
- Health policy leaders
- Health educators
- Community advocates
- Media
- Anyone serving populations affected by health disparities
- Anyone interested in being a part of the solution to eliminate health disparities
TRACKS
Track I: Translating Science to Policy and Practice
To eliminate health disparities, we need to catalyze and promote intersections amongst the frequently distinct and fragmented fields of science, practice, and policy. This track explores translational efforts that bridge science to practice and policy. Among the following topic areas to be explored:
- Cultural competency
- Limited English Proficiency (LEP)
- Discrimination/racism/stress
- Social marketing
- Gene-environment interactions
- Community-campus partnerships
Track II: Health Disparity Diseases and Conditions
Much of the health disparities research and literature indicate health disparities within the framework of diseases and conditions. For example, infant mortality, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and mental health have often been cited as diseases where large health disparities exist. This track explores the challenges and opportunities in eliminating health disparities in these conditions. Among the topic areas to be explored:
- Oral health
- Infant mortality
- Cardiovascular diseases and stroke
- Diabetes and obesity
- Cancer
- Infectious diseases
Track III: Health Disparity Target Populations
Much of the health disparities research and literature indicate health disparities within the framework of target populations. For example, African American, Hispanic, Asian American, low socioeconomic status, and rural populations have often been cited as groups where large health disparities exist. This track explores the challenges and opportunities in eliminating health disparities in these populations. Among the topic areas to be explored:
- Minority communities
- Rural health
- Low SES
- Immigrant health
- Disabilities
Track IV: Building Capacity
To eliminate health disparities, we need to build capacity and invest in developing the pipeline of researchers who can lead next and future generations of health disparities researchers. This track explores the challenges and opportunities in building this capacity. It will explore the following topic areas:
- Training and education
- K–12
- Undergraduate
- Graduate
- Young investigators
- Comprehensive centers
Track V: Partnerships, Collaborations, and Opportunities
To eliminate health disparities, we will need partnership and collaborations beyond NIH to Federal and private organizations. This track explores opportunities for these partnerships and collaborations. It will provide a venue for representatives from the following agencies and organizations to showcase and share their health disparities portfolio.
- Public/private partnerships
- Federal agencies
- HHS Federal agencies
- Non-HHS Federal agencies
