A Message from the Associate Commissioner for Minority Health
November 14, 2023
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Dear Health Equity Community,
After more than 20 years of having the privilege of serving the public, I will be retiring from the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) and transitioning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has been my distinct honor to serve as the Associate Commissioner for Minority Health and Director of the Office of Minority Health and Health Equity (OMHHE).
I am especially proud of the work we have accomplished in our dedication and commitment to achieve our mission to promote and protect the health of diverse populations through research and communication of science that addresses health disparities. OMHHE has been a leading voice in advancing health equity both within and outside of the FDA. We have established successful outreach programs, policies, and scientific research initiatives that have brought the FDA closer to the communities we serve.
In 2021, we established OMHHE’s Enhance Equity Initiative and created the office’s first annual Health Equity Innovation Award funding opportunity. The office awarded more than $24 million to support health-equity focused research, allowing us to engage with diverse researchers and scientists across various organizations and institutions. This led to the launch of OMHHE’s Enhance Equity Research Hub that enables the public to search OMHHE funded research.
Another crucial part of the work we do is amplifying voices of diverse communities. In 2022, we launched the Equity of Voices Video Series as part of the Enhance Equity Initiative, where people living with HIV discuss their journeys of finding hope and better health through antiretroviral treatment.
Collaborative engagements are also essential to advancing health equity. OMHHE launched our newest initiative, the Racial and Ethnic Minority Acceleration Consortium for Health Equity (REACH), a research consortium of organizations and institutions, to timely and efficiently help respond to ongoing health equity focused research needs.
OMHHE also continued to develop national education campaigns to raise awareness on important issues impacting diverse communities, including advancing our campaign to promote awareness on the need for clinical trial diversity and launching the Let’s Take Charge! Campaign in collaboration with the HHS Office of Minority Health to advance diversity in lupus clinical research. And last year, we introduced the Skin Facts! Initiative and delivered important messages about the use of and potential risks from over-the-counter skin lightening products.
We all have a role in improving the nation’s health, and I thank you for the work you have done and continue to do every day to support this goal. My last official day in the office will be December 1, 2023, before my retirement on February 1, 2024. Dr. Christine S. Lee, OMHHE’s Deputy Director, will serve as Acting.
It has been an honor and privilege to lead FDA’s Office of Minority Health and Health Equity and work with so many of you in our unwavering commitment to advance health equity for all.
Sincerely,
RDML Richardae Araojo
Visit the FDA OMHHE website and follow us on Twitter at @FDAHealthEquity
"Creating a world where health equity is a reality for all."
www.fda.gov/HealthEquity
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