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NIMHD Winter 2025 Newsletter

This newsletter includes activities from April 2024 through December 2024.

In This Issue

• Director’s Message
• Press Releases & Announcements
• Recent Activities
• Feature Articles
• Research Publications
• On the Blog
• Funding Opportunities & Notices
• NIMHD Partner News
• Staff News

Director’s Message

As we start a new year and reflect on NIMHD’s accomplishments, I am reminded of the incredible power of collaboration and teamwork in advancing minority health and reducing health disparities. We have achieved significant milestones highlighting the collective impact of our work at NIMHD, across NIH, the broader research community, and with our partners and stakeholders. This newsletter issue celebrates many of these achievements. Early in 2024, NIH updated the methodology of identifying and reporting of minority health and health disparities research as part of the NIH Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization (RCDC) reporting system. These updated methods and categories will improve the accuracy and transparency of minority health and health disparities research investments, better track progress toward the goals of the NIH Minority Health and Health Disparities Strategic Plan, and increase efficiency of the work. By mid-year, our institute launched the HDPulse Interventions Portal, a valuable new resource designed to support researchers, clinicians, and community groups. With this portal, users can find the evidence-based interventions that have been vetted by a rigorous process within NIMHD and inform to their communities. This tool demonstrates how shared knowledge can help bridge the gap between research and practice to achieve meaningful change. In the Fall, I announced the appointment of Kelvin Choi, PhD as the new Scientific Director of the NIMHD Division of Intramural Research, effective on November 17, 2024. Dr. Choi has been serving in an acting capacity since March 2023, following the retirement of former Scientific Director Anna M. Nápoles, Ph.D. I look forward to working in partnership with Dr. Choi to shape the future of NIMHD’s intramural research program and provide guidance on the science of minority health and health disparities. We have also continued efforts to engage and learn from the communities we serve. Toward the end of year, we held virtual town halls for the NIH Minority Health and Health Disparities Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, underscoring the value of listening to diverse perspectives to guide our science. As we look ahead to 2025, the 15th year of NIMHD’s existence as an Institute, I want to express my gratitude for the contributions of our staff, scientific partners, and communities. Your dedication and collaboration are essential to NIMHD’s mission, and together, we will continue to make strides and positively impact the lives of those who need it most.

Press Releases & Announcements

NIMHD Welcomes Six New Members to the National Advisory Council on Minority Health and Health Disparities

NIMHD recently announced the appointment of six new members to its National Advisory Council on Minority Health and Health Disparities.

We welcomed to the NIMHD Council:

• Samuel E. Adunyah, Ph.D. (Meharry Medical College - Nashville, Tennessee)
• José A. Bauermeister, Ph.D., M.P.H. (University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• Valarie Blue Bird Jernigan, Dr.PH., M.P.H. (Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences - Tulsa, Oklahoma)
• Lisa M. Cacari-Stone, Ph.D. (University of New Mexico - Albuquerque, New Mexico)
• Kendrick E. Curry, Ph.D., M.Div. (The Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church - Washington, District of Columbia)
• Frank J. Penedo, Ph.D. (University of Miami - Coral Gables, Florida)

Members of the council are drawn from the scientific, medical, and lay communities, so they offer diverse perspectives on minority health and health disparities.

Learn more about the newly appointed members.

NIH Improves Reporting of Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Categories

Recently, NIH made changes to the reporting of minority health and health disparities research categories as part of the NIH Research, Condition, and Disease Categorization (RCDC) reporting system. These updates will:

• Improve the accuracy and transparency of NIH’s investments in minority health and health disparities research.
• Increase the ability to distinguish research funding from workforce development, capacity building, and outreach funding.
• Help NIMHD better track progress toward the goals of the NIH Minority Health and Health Disparities Strategic Plan. 

In this new message from NIMHD Director Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, learn more about the impact of these improvements. Learn more.

NIH Launches Online Resource on Interventions to Reduce Health Disparities and Improve Minority Health

NIMHD has launched the HDPulse Interventions Portal, a repository of evidence-based interventions and resources shown to improve minority health and reduce health disparities.

The Interventions Portal aims to support researchers and program planners with the design, implementation, evaluation, dissemination, and adaptation of interventions. The portal also aims to increase the dissemination and adoption of evidence-based interventions and contributes to closing the research-to-practice gap in health disparities.

The Interventions Portal complements the existing HDPulse Data Portal, which allows users to visualize national-, state-, county-, and territory-level data to identify and understand minority health, health disparities, and the determinants that contribute to them. Together, the Interventions Portal and the Data Portal make HDPulse a comprehensive and valuable resource for anyone striving to reduce health disparities and improve minority health.

Learn more about the HDPulse resource and read the full news announcement.

NIH Prize Challenge Recognizes Undergraduate Biomedical Engineers for Innovative Medical Device Designs

Congratulations Cornell University, winner of the 2024 Design by Biomedical Undergraduate (DEBUT) Challenge!

The 2024 winning solution is A Gold Nanoparticle Solution for Non-Invasive Lead-in-Saliva Testing (NanoLIST). There are significant disparities in lead exposure and related health outcomes. Children from racial and ethnic minority and/or low socioeconomic status populations are at higher risk. NanoLIST is a rapid and inexpensive test kit for the detection of elevated lead concentrations in saliva. It's safe to use and simple to dispose of without the assistance of a clinician.

DEBUT is an annual contest that recognizes undergraduate excellence in biomedical design and innovation. DEBUT is led by NIH’s National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and VentureWell, a not-for-profit organization. NIMHD is one of the NIH partners. For the past four years, we have also sponsored a $15,000 Healthcare Technologies for Low-Resource Settings prize as part of this challenge. Learn more.

NIMHD Names New Scientific Director

NIMHD announced the appointment of Kelvin Choi, Ph.D., as the new scientific director of its Division of Intramural Research (DIR), effective November 17, 2024. Dr. Choi has served as acting scientific director since March 2023, following the retirement of former scientific director, Anna M. Nápoles, Ph.D. As NIMHD’s third permanent scientific director, Dr. Choi will oversee the executive direction and scientific leadership for the institute’s intramural research program. Learn more.

Recent Activities

Submit Your Feedback on the Framework for the NIH Strategic Plan for Disability Health Research

New and Existing Resources to Support Researchers with Disabilities

NIH Minority Health and Health Disparities Strategic Plan, 2026-2030

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) hosted two community virtual townhalls to hear about individuals’ experiences, insights, and ideas to help shape the future of minority health and health disparities research efforts. NIH encouraged individuals to share their input on the NIH Minority Health and Health Disparities Strategic Plan, 2026–2030 at the community virtual townhalls and respond to the Request for Information (NOT-MD-25-002).

During the events, key areas of discussion included:

Health disparities researchers should investigate. Strategies to improve minority health. Advancing technologies. Outreach with communities. Inclusion of diverse populations in research. Learn more.

Ending Unequal Treatment: Strategies to Achieve Equitable Health Care and Optimal Health for All

The final NIMHD Director’s Seminar for 2024 featured key committee members and authors of the 2024 National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) “Ending Unequal Treatment: Strategies to Achieve Equitable Health Care and Optimal Health for All” report. This report was supported by the National Institutes of Health and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). During this virtual seminar, the authors highlighted the report’s key findings, and directors, deputy directors and experts from NIH institutes and the AHRQ discussed the implications of the report’s findings and how the recommendations can guide future research addressing diseases, disorders, and conditions. Learn more.

2025 NIMHD William G. Coleman Jr., Ph.D., Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Innovation Award

NIMHD announced recipients of the eighth annual William G. Coleman Jr., Ph.D., Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Innovation Award. This competitive award supports 1-year innovative research projects by postdoctoral fellows, staff scientists, and staff clinicians within the NIH Intramural Research Program that have a high potential to positively impact minority health and health disparities research.

The award honors Dr. Coleman, a distinguished member of the scientific community and the first scientific director of NIMHD’s Intramural Research Program, whose legacy of mentoring and biomedical discoveries continues through the next generation of minority health and health disparities researchers. Learn more and read the full details about the 2025 awardees and their proposed research.

Addressing Nutrition Disparities in Native American Communities

In November, Dr. Valarie Blue Bird Jernigan from Oklahoma State University’s Center for Health Sciences presented the NIMHD Director‘s Seminar: Addressing Nutrition Disparities in Native American Communities: Research and Action. Dr. Jernigan has been a principal investigator for more than a dozen research studies focused on improving Indigenous food systems through policy and environmental interventions. Learn more.

NIH-Rwanda Health Program: NIMHD Director Plants Tree in Rwanda

Dr. Pérez-Stable and Dr. Anne E. Sumner, Section Chief, Section on Ethnicity and Health, Diabetes, Endocrinology, & Obesity Branch at NIDDK, were invited to plant a redwood tree at the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) main campus in Butaro, Rwanda.

The UGHE invitation honored the legacy of Dr. Paul Farmer, global health pioneer and UGHE founder and inaugural chancellor. The tree planting also recognizes Dr. Sumner’s role as the founding director of the NIH-Rwanda Health Program and Dr. Pérez-Stable's enduring support for the program. The NIH-Rwandan Health Program is an international collaborative effort to help build an NIH-trained research workforce in Rwanda. Under the program, physician fellows spend a year at NIH then return home as clinician scientists to conduct research and help improve health of Rwandans. The program contributes to research capacity building and workforce diversity. Learn more about the NIH-Rwanda Health Program.

NIMHD Director Honored with 2024 John P. McGovern Award

NIMHD Director Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable was honored by the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) with the 2024 John P. McGovern Award. This esteemed award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to medical communication, advancing understanding, and impact in the field.

Dr. Pérez-Stable accepted this honor and delivered his award address at AMWA’s recent Medical Writing & Communication Conference, where he shared insights on the importance of effective communication in promoting health equity. He emphasized the importance of engaging diverse communities through clear, relatable language, supported by images and stories that resonate with the audience. Read more about Dr. Pérez-Stable.

NIMHD Director Speaks at Henrietta Lacks Memorial Lecture

NIMHD Director Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable served as keynote speaker at the 14th Anniversary of the Henrietta Lacks Memorial Lecture, hosted by Johns Hopkins University on October 5, 2024. This special event honored Mrs. Henrietta Lacks' legacy and provided insights into the past, present, and future of clinical research.

The Henrietta Lacks Memorial Lecture series remembers and celebrates the life of Mrs. Henrietta Lacks. Since 2010, the Johns Hopkins Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, in collaboration with the Lacks family, has hosted the lecture during which a distinguished speaker relates their work to Lacks’ contribution to science and medicine. The series also serves as an annual reminder of the gratitude, respect, and clear communication due to all research participants. Watch the recording.

The Impact of Residential Segregation on the Hispanic/Latino Population

NIMHD celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a NIMHD Director’s Seminar. Dr. Rudolph A. Rodriguez from the Department of Medicine at the University of Washington presented: Residential Segregation and Health Outcomes: The Impact on the Hispanic/Latino Population. Dr. Rodriguez’s research and clinical interests include health disparities, kidney disease among underserved populations, and increasing diversity in academic medicine. Learn more.

New Research Awards Support Community-Led Research to Reduce Health Disparities

The NIH Common Fund announced five new research awards to Health Equity Research Hubs that will support community-led research projects.

• The Hub at Yale University will focus on food and nutrition security, and offer expertise in study design, community engagement, and health policy. Its community partners include New Haven Healthy Start, DataHaven, Community Alliance for Research & Engagement (CARE), and Community Action Agency of New Haven. 
• The Hub at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, will connect researchers and clinicians with community members through The PATIENTS Program at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy and their community-based organization (CBO) partners to provide support to Community-Led, Health Equity Structural Intervention (CHESI) projects related to community health access. 
• The Partners Engaged in Equity Research (PEER) Hub will combine the resources of several schools at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor with specific university initiatives, including the Michigan Institute for Clinical Research and the university’s Poverty Solutions initiative, altogether providing support to CHESIs across multiple social determinants of health. 
• The SHHARE Community Project: The Shared Hub for Health Action Research and Equity in Community-led Interventions at the New York University Grossman School of Medicine will support the advancement of community-driven and participatory research to reduce health inequities through a social determinants of health approach.
• The Southeast Center for Health Achievement and Growth in Equity (SEACHANGE) Hub at the University of Mississippi Medical Center has expertise working with rural community partners and will focus on providing support in social and cultural context.

These Hubs will assist ongoing community research projects in advancing health equity by providing hands-on scientific support for study design, analysis, and research capacity building.

The ComPASS program is funded by the NIH Common Fund and managed collaboratively by NIH staff from the Common Fund; National Cancer Institute; National Institute of Mental Health; National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities; National Institute of Nursing Research; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and NIH Office of Research on Women's Health, with many other NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices participating in program development and management. Learn more

University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences Sponsored Visit from Dr. Pérez–Stable

The University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine & Health Sciences, in conjunction with UND’s Office of Research & Economic Development, sponsored a visit from Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez–Stable. Dr. Pérez–Stable joined UND President Andrew Armacost and Dr. Joshua Wynne, Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean, for discussions on how biomedical research is benefitting rural and tribal communities. These discussions were attended by UND students and faculty. Watch the recording.

Dr. Pérez -Stable Honored at CUNY School of Medicine Commencement Ceremony

NIMHD Director Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez–Stable served as keynote speaker at CUNY School of Medicine and was honored with the H. Jack Geiger Icon Award. The event took place in May 2024 during a commencement ceremony for the School of Medicine’s fifth graduating class and its commitment to inclusive excellence.

Attendees celebrated 56 new doctors who will continue their training as interns and residents. More than three-quarters of the class were first-generation students, and most speak a language in addition to English in their homes and communities.

Carmen Renée Green, MD, Dean of CUNY Medicine, also recognized Dr. Pérez-Stable with the H. Jack Geiger Icon Award in recognition of his long-standing commitment to advancing health equity research, cross-cultural health care communication, and diversity in biomedical science during the ceremony. Read more.

67th NIMHD Advisory Council Meeting

NIMHD Health Disparities Research Institute 2024

NIMHD hosted the Health Disparities Research Institute (HDRI) from August 5 to 9, 2024. HDRI is a unique weeklong program that supports the research career development of promising early-career minority health and health disparities research scientists.

The program featured: Lectures on minority health and health disparities research Mock grant reviews Seminars and small group discussions Opportunities to directly engage with NIH scientific staff Learn more.

Hear from Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable on Addressing Health Disparities in a New Podcast Episode

NIMHD Director Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable was a guest on Houston Methodist Hospital’s podcast, Quality Time with Dr. Schaal. Dr. Pérez-Stable and Dr. Shlomit Schaal discussed health disparities, including emerging research across several health diseases and conditions and what quality means in health care. Listen to the podcast.

Advancing Youth Violence Prevention Research Call for Papers

NIMHD invited researchers to contribute to a supplemental issue of the journal Prevention Science. This supplemental issue focused on youth violence prevention interventions that address structural racism and discrimination, and other structural factors and social determinants. Topics of interest included:

• Empirical research on the impact of interventions on individual, community, social, and structural factors.
• Prospective intervention studies and natural policy experiments at local, state, regional, or national levels.
• Conceptual papers that describe current challenges and viable solutions to implementing sustainable multilevel, multisectoral interventions that address social and structural factors that place youth at highest risk for violence as well as those that address disparities in youth violence.

Read more.

NIH Science Collaborative for Health Disparities and Artificial Intelligence Bias Reduction (ScHARe)

The NIH Science Collaborative for Health disparities and Artificial intelligence bias REduction (ScHARe) project team launched its first research collaborations teams, continued to build researchers’ data science skills through monthly Think-a-Thons, and launched the ScHARe core common data elements (CCDEs). More than 70 ScHARe participants helped launch the first research collaborations. Multidisciplinary and multi-career-level teams supported by NIMHD staff brainstormed innovative applications of AI and cloud computing for health disparities, health outcomes, and health care delivery research, and designed studies on vaccine uptake, cancer disparities, dental health care disparities, and emergency department use. These studies are well underway, and two ScHARe teams were recently featured on the NIMHD Insights blog.

Through a series of monthly Think-a-Thons, researchers built their data science skills with hands-on sessions on Python for data science and preparing AI-ready datasets. ScHARe also held Think-a-Thons for community health organizations on Demystifying AI and Empowering Community Impact. ScHARe Think-a-Thons are interactive webinars for researchers, data scientists, educators, students, and anyone interested in health disparities and health care delivery research and for data scientists who want to engage in practical applications of AI and AI bias mitigation—all disciplines, levels of background knowledge, and career levels are welcome to participate. They aim to help everyone, including people from populations underrepresented in science, advance their use of the ScHARe platform and provide training in the use of cloud resources, cloud computing, Python for data science, and preparing AI-ready datasets. ScHARe also held Think-a-Thons for community health organizations on Demystifying AI and Empowering Community Impact. ScHARe Think-a-Thons are interactive webinars for researchers, data scientists, educators, students, and anyone interested in health disparities and health care delivery research and for data scientists who want to engage in practical applications of AI and AI bias mitigation—all disciplines, levels of background knowledge, and career levels are welcome to participate. They aim to help everyone, including people from populations underrepresented in science, advance their use of the ScHARe platform and provide training in the use of cloud resources. 2024 also marked the launch of the ScHARe core common data elements (CCDEs), available through the National Library of Medicine CDE Repository. These CCDEs are standardized questions and responses that ensure consistent data collection and interoperability across different studies, enabling data sharing and re-use. They enable researchers to efficiently design data collection, management, and analysis plans; link and compare data from different sources; and increase sample sizes for studies in smaller populations. This supports the achievement of breakthrough discoveries in health disparities research. NIH ScHARe is an innovative cloud-based platform for population science, including social determinants of health data sets designed to accelerate research in health disparities, health care delivery outcomes, and artificial intelligence (AI) bias mitigation strategies. Learn more about ScHARe.

Interpersonal Biases and Their Adverse Influence on Health Outcomes and Disparities

In June, NIMHD and other institutes from across NIH hosted a virtual workshop on addressing the influence of interpersonal biases on health outcomes and disparities. The workshop convened subject matter experts who: Enhanced attendees’ understanding of the link between interpersonal bias exposure and adverse health conditions and disparities. Assessed the current state of the science and identify research gaps. Explored strategies for directing future research. The workshop featured a keynote presentation, four thematic research sessions, two flash talk sessions, and one breakout discussion session. Learn more and watch the recordings for Day 1 and Day 2.

The Role of Primary Care in Latino Health Equity

The June NIMHD Director’s Seminar lecture featured Dr. John Heintzman and Dr. Miguel Marino from Oregon Health & Science University. Their talk was called The Role of Primary Care in Latino Health Equity. Dr. Marino and Dr. Heintzman are associate professors at the Oregon Health & Science University and co-directors of the Primary Care Latino Equity Research (PRIMER) Center, dedicated to understanding Latino disparities and equity in primary care. Learn more.

RADx-UP American Journal of Public Health Supplement: Prioritizing Community-Engaged Research

The American Journal of Public Health published a special supplement focused on RADx-UP and its prioritization of community-engaged research in May 2024. The supplement includes perspective pieces, editorials, and RADx-UP project summaries that emphasize the vital importance of community-engaged research. These articles demonstrate the mutual trust and tangible benefits that arise from authentic partnerships between community organizations and academic health researchers. They also explore community strengths and identify reciprocal community-academic partnerships as fundamental to the RADx-UP program.

NIHMD plays a leadership role in RADx–UP, a community-engaged initiative to quickly respond to excess morbidity and mortality impacting population groups disproportionately affected by COVID-19. RADx–UP is part of NIH's multifaceted and agency-wide innovative technology efforts to make more rapid COVID-19 tests available, accessible, and easier to use for all Americans. Read the supplement.

NIH Teen Mental Health Essay Contest Winners

NIH launched a teen mental health essay contest, and the winners of this year’s contest were announced in May. More than 370 essays were submitted by youth (16 to 18 years old) across 33 states. Eighteen finalists shared $15,000 in prizes for gold, silver, and bronze awards, and six finalists received honorable mention awards. NIMHD, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) co-funded the contest to start conversations about mental health to reduce stigma and foster resiliency among youth. The winning essays addressed topics like stigma, trauma, resilience, equity, and authenticity, and some included specific ideas on how to improve well-being among adolescents. Read the 24 winning essays from the Speaking Up About Mental Health contest.

Fireside Chat with Dr. Louis W. Sullivan, the 17th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

In April 2024, NIMHD hosted a special fireside chat with Dr. Louis W. Sullivan, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (1989 to 1993).

This event celebrated the history and evolution of NIMHD and Dr. Sullivan’s remarkable career dedicated to increasing scientific workforce development and reducing health disparities. NIMHD Director Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable and Dr. Sullivan discussed the president emeritus of Morehouse School of Medicine’s seminal role in the establishment of the NIH Office of Research on Minority Health and his invaluable contributions to the founding of NIMHD. The event was part of NIMHD’s commemoration of National Minority Health Month. Learn more.

National Minority Health Month 2024

NIMHD celebrated National Minority Health Month (NMHM) in April through various activities to raise awareness about the importance of improving the health of racial and ethnic minority communities and reducing health disparities. The 2024 NMHM theme, Be the Source for Better Health: Improving Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections focused on understanding how the unique environments, cultures, histories, and circumstances (known as social determinants of health, or SDOH) of racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN populations impact their overall health.

As the NIH lead for the observance, NIMHD promoted NMHD through a variety of activities that included: A Fireside Chat with Dr. Louis W. Sullivan, the 17th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Watch a recording of the event on NIH videocast. Shared social media messages to help empower communities to lead healthier lives. An NIH-wide Minority Health 5K Walk/Run/Roll that was held on the NIH main campus. For highlights of this event, view this video.

Feature Articles

RESPOND Study Team Perseveres to Recruit Largest Cohort of African American Men for Prostate Cancer Research

African American men have disproportionately higher prostate cancer rates, with an earlier age of onset, and twice the prostate cancer mortality than other racial groups.

This story highlighted a multi-state effort lead by University of Southern California researchers who recruited the largest cohort to date of African American men participating in prostate cancer research. Learn how the team came together, built bridges, and persevered through trying times. Read more.

The Osage Community Supported Agriculture Program: A Tribal Nation’s Effort Toward Food Security and Food Sovereignty

The rurality of the Osage Nation reservation means that community members have limited access to fresh, healthy foods. Compared to the White population, Native American adults are: 50% more likely to be obese 30% more likely to have hypertension Twice as likely to have diabetes

Through the Osage Community Supported Agriculture (OCSA) study, Osage Nation is improving its food security and food sovereignty. Other efforts, such as the development of a Tribal farm, are also helping to improve diet and health outcomes for the community. Read more.

NIMHD Fellows’ Influence Extends to NIH’s 2024 Postbac Poster Day and Beyond

Eleven postbac fellows from NIMHD intramural labs presented their research at the 2024 National Institutes of Health Postbac Poster Days. Here is a peek into the range and breadth of projects presented by NIMHD postbac fellows in this feature story from NIMHD. Ayesha Azeem (Stony Brook, ’23) wanted to know how tobacco and e-cigarette use varied among people who identify as monoracial, biracial, and multi-racial Asians. Her’s is the first study of multiracial Asian tobacco product use in the United States. Brenna Rogers (UNC-Greensboro, ’23) combined clinical psychology, community psychology, sociology, and public health in her research. Her team analyzed income, neighborhood social cohesion, and depression data to learn if social cohesion in a person’s community could serve as a buffer while waiting for mental health treatment. Katie Wojcik (WUSTL, ’23) led an investigation of exercise rates by race and ethnicity, education, and other factors among women who are breast cancer survivors. Read more.

Conversations with Principal Investigators

NIMHD celebrated Native American Heritage Month by recognizing investigators conducting community-engaged research. Community engagement can take many forms. It’s a powerful vehicle for promoting scientific understanding of the issues most meaningful to community members.

Denise Dillard, Ph.D., M.S. Professor Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine Spokane, WA Dr. Dillard discussed the importance of ensuring that community-engaged research is prioritized and funded adequately, as well as positive changes that she’s seen at NIH. Read the conversation.

NIMHD celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing investigators conducting community-engaged research. Community engagement can take many forms, and it’s a powerful vehicle for promoting scientific understanding of the issues most meaningful to community members.

Sabrina Sales Martinez, Ph.D. Associate Professor Florida International University Department of Dietetics and Nutrition Miami, FL In this Q&A, Dr. Martinez discusses her collaborative research that examines the impact of sleep on cognition in a mid-life Hispanic/Latino community-based sample. This study also looks at diet and microbiome composition. Read the conversation.

NIMHD celebrated Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by recognizing investigators conducting community-engaged research. Community engagement can take many forms. It’s a powerful vehicle for promoting scientific understanding of the issues most meaningful to community members.

Sunmin Lee, Sc.D., M.P.H. Professor of Medicine University of California, Irvine Irvine, CA Dr. Lee discussed her work on two NIMHD-funded projects. One project aims to improve colorectal cancer screening among Chinese and Korean primary care patients. The other focuses on stressors, sleep, and cardiometabolic health, such as risk factors for diabetes, hypertension, and obesity among Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese American populations. Read the conversation.

William Tsai, Ph.D. Assistant Professor NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development Department of Applied Psychology New York, NY Dr. Tsai discussed his work testing the feasibility of a culturally adapted writing intervention, Expressive Helping. How can this intervention improve psychological well-being and quality of life for Chinese American cancer survivors? Read the conversation.

NIMHD celebrated Black History Month by recognizing investigators conducting community-engaged research. Community engagement can take many forms and it’s a powerful vehicle for promoting scientific understanding of the issues most meaningful to community members.

Ezemenari M. Obasi, Ph.D. Vice President of Research Wayne State University Detroit, MI In this conversation, Dr. Obasi discussed his work building important research infrastructures to investigate cancer and substance use disorders within medically underserved communities. Read the conversation.

Research Publications

NIMHD grantees and staff advance the science of minority health and health disparities through collaborative, integrative, and multidisciplinary research. Our investigators seek to understand the complex mechanisms that contribute to health disparities, develop multi-level interventions, support efforts to train and develop a diverse research workforce, and work toward improving minority health and reducing health disparities.

Visit this page for a full list of recent research publications.

Commitment to an Ethnic/Racial Identity Can Be a Stress Buffer Against Discrimination

Ethnic and/or racial identity typically forms during adolescence. This important aspect of development happens when teens explore and, ultimately, adopt the beliefs and attitudes of their ethnic/racial group as their own. In a study of 279 teens entering high school, participants who had already committed to their ethnic/racial identity had fewer stress responses following exposure to discrimination compared to those who were still exploring this aspect of their identity. Read more.

New Study Shows Tobacco Exposure Varies by Latino Heritage

A new study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention reveals insights into how tobacco biomarkers (substances related to tobacco exposure in blood and urine) vary widely among racial, ethnic, and Latino heritage groups. For example, smokers of Puerto Rican heritage had higher levels of these markers than Mexican or Central American groups. The findings underscore the importance of tailoring smoking cessation programs to account for these differences between populations.

The study utilized public and restricted data from the 2007 to 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

Researchers from the lab of NIMHD Director Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, which is based at the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, led the study. Read more.

Editorial on Prioritizing Research on Social Determinants of Health Published in JAMA Internal Medicine

NIMHD Director Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable and fellow Executive Committee Co-Chairs of the NIH-wide Social Determinants of Health Research Coordinating Committee authored an editorial published in JAMA Internal Medicine on prioritizing research on social determinants of health (SDOH). SDOH refers to the conditions in which people are born, grow, learn, play, live, and age, as well as the structural factors that shape them. The authors of the editorial encourage embracing a transdisciplinary approach guided by the NIH conceptualization of SDOH and actionable research targeting upstream factors to propel this area forward. They emphasize the importance of investing resources into SDOH research to maximize our understanding of health and the impact of innovative solutions to address health disparities and advance health for all people.

Epidemiologist Uses Community-Engaged Methods to Understand Determinants of Health for Native Prison Populations

NIMHD celebrated American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month by recognizing investigators conducting community-engaged research. Community engagement can take many forms. It’s a powerful vehicle for promoting scientific understanding of the issues most meaningful to community members. Meet Dr. Ricky Camplain, Assistant Professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington. Dr. Camplain discussed how community-engaged research methods form an essential piece of her work with incarcerated people of American Indian and Alaska Native heritage. Read more.

Modeling Health and Economic Outcomes of Eliminating Sex Disparities in Youth Physical Activity

An NIMHD-led study published in JAMA Network Open examined the effects of sex disparities in physical activity and sports participation among U.S. youth. The study found that reducing these disparities could prevent 30,000 cases of obesity and other health conditions, saving up to $780 million in lifetime health care costs. This research highlights actionable strategies to support equity in physical activity, such as:

• Hiring more female coaches. 
• Showcasing women athletes as role models. 
• Implementing mentoring programs. 
• Investing in under-resourced schools and communities to create safe and supportive environments for girls to stay active.

The study was led by Dr. Kosuke Tamura, NIH’s Stadtman Investigator and NIH Distinguished Scholar, who directs the Socio–Spatial Determinants of Health Laboratory in NIMHD’s Division of Intramural Research. Read more.

A Home-Based Phone Intervention Improved Uptake of Recommended Medical Treatment for Heart Failure Among Patients in Navajo Nation

Among Native American people, access to heart care is limited. Factors like time constraints, lack of transportation, rural location, clinician unavailability, and discomfort with newer drugs restrict care.

Guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT)—the recommended treatment for patients with heart failure—typically requires in-person clinic visits, which may be a driver for low GDMT uptake and poor health outcomes.

Researchers made an important finding after they implemented an at-home phone-based GDMT among patients with heart failure in Navajo (Diné) Nation. Read more.

From Distrust to Confidence: Can Science and Health Care Gain What’s Missing?

NIMHD's deputy director Dr. Monica Webb Hooper authored an article that explores distrust in science and health care, offering recommendations for how leaders can help restore confidence. Titled From Distrust to Confidence: Can Science and Health Care Gain What’s Missing?, it published in the Fall 2024 edition of Trend magazine, a publication by The Pew Charitable Trusts. Read more.

Peer Coaching May Help Support Blood Pressure Control

In the rural Southeastern U.S., more than half of Black adults have been diagnosed with hypertension. Community-based support may help some patients in this region manage their blood pressure. In a clinical trial, patients had weekly phone calls with peer coaches. Researchers measured their systolic blood pressure at the beginning of the study and 6 months and 12 months into the study to assess any changes. Read more.

Structural Racism, Historical Redlining and Current-Day Diabetes

Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States and is associated with decreased quality of life and increased health care use and costs. Research shows the adverse effects of redlining put racial and ethnic minority populations on a path toward developing diabetes. Read this NIMHD research spotlight to learn about the unique drivers, and recommendations for policy and intervention. Read more.

Traditional Mexican Diet Related to Lower Hepatic Steatosis Among U.S.-Born Mexican Americans

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a risk factor for liver cancer, disproportionately affects Hispanics/Latinos of Mexican descent more than other populations. Birthplace and dietary patterns, such as high intake of sugary foods and processed meat, are important factors that may influence this population’s higher risk for NAFLD. 

Can a healthy change in diet lower the risk of damaging the liver through fatty buildup (steatosis) or scarring (fibrosis)?

A study examined data on Hispanic/Latino adults of Mexican descent who are overweight or obese to find out whether having a more traditional Mexican diet was linked to NAFLD-related liver damage. Read more.

Imbalances in Gut Bacteria Linked to Low Self-Esteem

Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) people are disproportionately affected by mental health conditions and are at higher risk for many other chronic diseases. NIMHD research identifies potential connections between low self-esteem, inflammation, and the abundance of certain species of gut bacteria in NHPI people. Read more.

Community Health Worker-Led DREAM Intervention Helps South Asian Immigrants Gain Blood Pressure Control

South Asian adults have higher co-occurrences of type 2 diabetes and hypertension compared to adults from other racial and ethnic minority groups. When volunteers in the Diabetes Research, Education, and Action for Minorities or DREAM Atlanta study attended monthly virtual health education groups led by community health workers, one third of the volunteers achieved blood pressure control, outperforming the control group. The five monthly health education groups focused on:

• Type 2 diabetes and hypertension overview and education 
• Nutrition with culturally tailored foods 
• Exercise specific to gender 
• Stress management, including religious practices 
• Diabetes and hypertension symptoms and management

Read more.

Study Examines Links Between Food Insecurity, Type 2 Diabetes, and Neighborhood Cohesion in Latino Populations

When Latino adults experience food insecurity, they are three times more likely to have type 2 diabetes than people who are food secure.

To determine if neighborhood cohesion could influence this relationship, researchers looked to the 2013-2018 National Health Interview Survey. They analyzed the type 2 diabetes, food security, and neighborhood cohesion data from 23,478 Latino survey respondents ages 18 years or older. Read more.

Rumination Following Discrimination Can Lead to Depression, Anxiety in Black Youth, Study Shows

The likelihood that Black children will experience racial discrimination increases with age. Research shows that Black youth may ruminate about their discriminatory experiences. Rumination is the internalization of negative feelings as a coping strategy, and it can lead to detrimental mental health outcomes.

Researchers wanted to know how rumination, mental health, racial discrimination, and age impact one another in Black pre- and early-adolescents. To do this, they analyzed data provided by 158 youth between the ages of 7 years and 16 years. Read more.

Socio-Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Suicidal Behaviors Shows Promise Reducing Suicidal Behaviors in Hispanic/Latino Teens

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for Latino/Hispanic youth 10- to 14-years-old. It’s the second leading cause of death for Latino/Hispanic youth 15- to 19-year-olds.

Socio-Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Suicidal Behaviors (SCBT-SB), the first culturally specific treatment developed for Latino/Hispanic teens experiencing a suicidal crisis, shows potential to reduce suicidal behaviors.

SCBT-SB is a structured yet flexible intervention that emphasizes a patient’s identity, family history, and culture.

How effective was SCBT-SB in trials for reducing suicidal behavior in Latino/Hispanic teens? Read more.

Meeting Social Needs Can Improve Mental Health and Increase Life Satisfaction Among U.S. Immigrant Populations

Research shows that social needs, such as food security, employment, and health care access, positively impact life satisfaction. But little is known about how social needs impact the mental health and life satisfaction of immigrant populations who face acculturative stress and cultural and linguistic barriers.

NIMHD research examined how social needs impact mental health and life satisfaction among 4,320 U.S. immigrant adults. Read more.

Among Older Adults with Multiple Chronic Conditions, Photo Sharing Improved Patient–Clinician Communication on Dietary Behaviors

Many older adults have multiple chronic conditions (MCCs) that are sensitive to dietary practices. Not only can communication around dietary behaviors be complex and challenging, patients with MCCs have different dietary preferences. In addition, many clinicians lack effective communication tools or the training required to elicit dietary information from older patients. Could photo sharing be effective in improving patient–clinician communication on dietary behaviors?

NIMHD research assessed the feasibility and acceptability of photo sharing in communicating dietary behaviors between older adult patients (age 60 plus years) with MCCs and their clinicians. Read more.

Experiences of Discrimination Associated with Unhealthy Eating Behaviors and Increased Obesity Risk

Experiences of discrimination have been linked to stress-related food behaviors (e.g., increased appetite, food cravings, motivation to consume highly palatable foods) and adverse health outcomes. However, a biological explanation for how discriminatory experiences lead to obesity is unclear.

NIMHD research investigated the link between self-reported discrimination exposure and changes in the brain-gut-microbiome system to help uncover how people respond to food cues. Read more.

Community Disadvantage Status Linked to Disparities in Medical Access, Treatment, and Outcomes for Patients with Heart Attacks

How does the overall level of socioeconomic disadvantage in the community that one lives in affect access to treatment and services for heart conditions? Is level of community disadvantage associated with treatment and outcome disparities?

Researchers analyzed data on over 600,000 patients who have experienced heart attacks and the level of socioeconomic disadvantage within their communities. The findings offer insights into how community disadvantage status might impact access to timely treatment for heart conditions and disparities in outcomes. Read more.

Sleep Disturbances and Sleep Apnea Associated with Complex Multimorbidity in Asian American Populations

nvestigators found a link between sleep disturbances, sleep apnea risk, and complex multimorbidity among Chinese and Korean American populations.

For this study, the authors used sleep data and measured associations with the prevalence of complex multimorbidity among Asian American populations.

Researchers utilized data collected from 200 Chinese and 200 Korean American research participants in the Screening to Prevent Colorectal Cancer study from 2018 to 2020. The participants were ages 50 to 75 and lived in the Washington, D.C.–Baltimore metropolitan area. Read more.

On the Blog

Hidden in Plain Sight: The Environmental Health Impacts of Solid Waste Dumping

Unregulated solid waste dump sites release gases and leaks that significantly impact the environment and people, especially those closest to the flames. A November issue of NIMHD Insights blog featured the work of a research collaboration based at the University of New Mexico‘s Center for Native Environmental Health Equity Research. In partnership with Indigenous Peoples in three Tribal Nations, they’re learning what’s burning and how to clean it up, and collecting data to advocate for better waste management practices and enforcement. Read the blog.

How Ethical AI Is Advancing HPV Vaccine Uptake and Dental Health Disparities Research

Addressing minority health and health disparities requires innovative approaches that blend expertise across disciplines. In another November issue of the NIMHD Insights blog, two NIH Science Collaborative for Health disparities and Artificial intelligence bias Reduction (ScHARe) research teams explained how they are leveraging Big Data, AI, and advanced data science methodologies to increase understanding of how social determinants of health contribute to health inequities. One team—co-led by Lynette Hammond Gerido, Assistant Professor in the Department of Bioethics at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and Scott Emory Moore, Assistant Professor at the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University—used Big Data and data-driven techniques to understand health disparities in HPV vaccine uptake among marginalized communities. Another team—co-led by Hamid Reza Kohan Ghadr, Principal Scientific Consultant at Akna Health, and Preeti Pushpalata Zanwar, Lecturer in Applied Health Economics & Outcomes Research and Health Policy at Thomas Jefferson University—explained how they are leveraging AI to address disparities in dental care access. These research efforts offer methodological guidance for other researchers, present an opportunity to identify data-driven health policy interventions, and will contribute to the discourse on bias mitigation and AI. Read the blog.

Immigrant Health Is Interpersonal

When Latinx minors arrive at the United States border from Central America alone, about 60% have PTSD after being separated from their parents and enduring unimaginable adversities. Dr. Amanda Venta, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Houston, helps the children and adolescents. She also includes their stories of adversity and resilience in her research, contributing to our knowledge of the health experiences and clinical needs of recently immigrated Latinx youth. In a September issue of NIMHD Insights, Dr. Venta shared her NIMHD-funded research and how her work is more personal than ever. Read the blog.

African American Faith Communities: Foundations for Mental Wellness

Nearly half of all Black Americans attend church at least once a week. More than half of Black Americans who participate in church activities attend congregations that they identify as Black churches. Historically and today, Black churches hold a potent role as centers of many African American communities. Black faith leaders and congregations oftentimes understand the strong relationship between spiritual health and mental health. This makes Black churches an essential partner in research that advances the NIMHD mission to improve minority health and reduce health disparities. Rebecca Selove, Ph.D., is a member of the Engaging Partners in Caring Communities or EPICC project. This initiative seeks to build the capacity of Black churches and congregations to implement health promotion programs. EPICC’s partners have welcomed Dr. Selove, a person of European Jewish ancestry, into Sunday services. In a July NIMHD Insights blog post, she explored her team’s findings about how African American faith leaders and faith communities can (and do) improve health outcomes and save lives. Read the blog.

Can Virtual Reality-Based Stress Reduction Interventions Be a Game Changer for Addressing Intersectional Stress Among Minoritized Women?

Black women are disproportionately burdened by maternal mental health issues, such as postpartum depression and anxiety. For National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, NIMHD HDRI Scholar Dr. Judite Blanc shared a harrowing experience she and her new baby experienced and how it motivated her to accept her mentor’s invitation to help design and implement the Nurturing Moms study. Nurturing Moms uses virtual reality to support moms through their third trimester, labor and delivery experience, and postpartum phases with: Immersion in calm settings like green spaces and beaches for stress reduction. Education about pregnancy and parenting. Techniques to reduce anxiety through guided mindfulness meditations and breathing exercises. Read the blog.

Optimizing Health for Immigrant Populations: When One Thing Stands, Another Thing Stands Beside It

Author Chinua Achebe used to reference the quote: “When one thing stands, another thing will stand beside it.” For Immigrant Heritage Month, Yewande Oladeinde, Ph.D., social and behavioral science administrator at NIMHD, reflected on these words. They remind public health and health science researchers that considering the cultural assets of immigrant communities is important for improving health outcomes. To illustrate this, Dr. Oladeinde offered an insightful story about a Nigerian woman who leverages her connection to culture, heritage, and family to recover from illness. Read the blog.

Confronting the Legacy of Medical Misinformation - Let's Start With Race-Based Medicine

"My father’s new primary care provider (PCP) asked him what medication he was taking to control his hypertension. My father was confused.” His previous PCPs had told him that his blood-pressure levels were “normal for a Black man.” This is when the concept of race-based medicine became personal for Keisha Bentley-Edwards, Ph.D. In a May NIMHD Insights blog, Dr. Bentley-Edwards provided insights into: Understanding race-based medicine. Examples of how it has risked the health of those from medically underserved communities. Better ways forward for improving health outcomes for racial and ethnic minority populations. Read the Blog.

Be the Source for Better Health

Before National Minority Health Month officially came to a close, we invited CAPT Tarsha Cavanaugh, Ph.D., M.S.W., LGSW, Principal Deputy Director at the Office of Minority Health, to share insights on how we, as individuals, a community, and a nation, can be the source for better health. Read the blog.

How ScHARe's Big Data Approach Can Yield Big Gains in SDOH Research

Determining how to address the impacts of social determinants of health (SDOH) on health is no simple task. Advances in cloud computing, data science, and artificial intelligence (AI) have unlocked new resources that can help researchers identify, understand, and mitigate negative SDOH impacts, as well as identify protective ones. The NIH Science Collaborative for Health disparities and Artificial intelligence bias REduction (ScHARe)’s expanding data ecosystem is making these tools accessible and is transforming health disparities and health outcomes research. In an April issue of the NIMHD Insights blog, Dr. Deborah Duran, Senior Advisor for Data Science, Data Analytics, and Data Systems to the NIMHD Director, explained how researchers can accelerate SDOH research by using the big data approach built into the ScHARe platform. Learn more and see how you—and the researcher community—can use NIH ScHARe to gain access to SDOH-related Big Data, be part of the paradigm shift in research, and use ScHARe to develop interventions that reduce health disparities and improve health outcomes. Read the blog.

Feed1st – A Model for Alleviating Hunger with Dignity

Feed1st is a food pantry that began in a chapel closet at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Today, the open-access, hospital-based food pantry is a model for meeting the nutritional needs of patients and their caregivers. An NIMHD-supported CommunityRx for Hunger study helped to inform Feed1st’s evolution, which includes robust collaborations for: Interprofessional social care teaching rounds Sourcing and distributing fresh produce Options for cafeteria customers to “round-up” purchases as donations A March 2024 NIMHD Insights blog post by Jie Zhao, Ph.D., B.M., Claire Fendrick, M.P.H., Stacy Tessler Lindau, M.D., M.A.P.P. addressed food insecurity and Feed1st. Read the blog.

Funding Opportunities & Notices

NIMHD supports a variety of research, training, infrastructure development, and outreach and information dissemination projects related to its mission using grants, cooperative agreements, and contracts. NIMHD funding opportunities include Requests for Applications (RFAs), Program Announcements (PAs/PARs), and Notices of Changes and Guidelines (NOTs).  

Visit this page to view all active NIMHD funding opportunities and their application details. We encourage you to discuss your proposed research with an NIMHD scientific program officer before applying.

You can subscribe to NIMHD’s Weekly Notices of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) Digest to receive recent NOFOs weekly in your email inbox.

Small Business Innovation Research & Technology Transfer Program

NIMHD, along with partnering NIH centers and institutes, reissued two funding opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs with grant applications that propose to develop a product, process, or service aimed at improving minority health or reducing health disparities in NIH-designated populations experiencing health disparities.

• NOFO Number: RFA-MD-24-006 | Innovations for Healthy Living: Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities (R43/R44-Clinical Trial Optional)
• NOFO Number: RFA-MD-24-007 | Technologies for Improving Minority Health and Eliminating Health Disparities (R41/R42-Clinical Trial Optional)

The NOFOs received updates from last year’s healthy innovation opportunities that included:

• NIH-designated health disparities population included people living with disabilities
• Application responsiveness included:
  • Digital therapeutics and clinical trial technologies (e.g., engagement, biobanking/specimens, decentralized clinical trials and infrastructure).
  • Educating prospective social entrepreneurs and minority health and health disparity communities on transitioning technologies from the bench to the bedside.
  • Utilizing NIH data systems, such as ScHARe (Science Collaborative for Health Disparities and Artificial intelligence bias REduction), theAll of Us Research Hub, or other data services and NIH data repositories.
  • Utilizing cutting-edge digital health care and research technologies and approaches, such as digital therapeutics, decentralized and digital clinical trials, and remote devices for providing health care and engaging, recruiting, and retaining participants from diverse populations.

These funding opportunities aim to engage and support small businesses in providing seed (i.e., early-stage investment) funding. Successful applicants are expected to lay the groundwork for sustainable health promotion activities and interventions that lead to improved health, health care delivery, and the elimination of health disparities. Their next application due date will be June 10, 2025.

Visit this page for all active NIMHD NOFOs and their application details. The NIMHD RFAs and PAs/PARs tables on the NIMHD website funding opportunities page are sortable.

• Click on the “Expires” header to easily view funding opportunities with upcoming expiration dates.
• Click on the “Released” header to easily view newly released RFAs and PAs/PARs.

NIMHD Partner News

Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Health Conditions During and After Pregnancy Is on the Rise, But Disparities Still Exist

NIH 2024 – 2025 Climate and Health Scholars Program

The NIH Climate and Health Scholars Program accepted applications for 2024–2025 and announced 13 researchers for the 2024–2025 Climate and Health Scholars cohort. The NIH Climate and Health Scholars Program seeks to bring climate and health scientists from outside the U.S. federal government to NIH to share their knowledge and expertise. The goal of the program is for climate and health scientists to support NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices in developing a stronger climate and health knowledge base in the areas of the NIH Climate Change and Health Initiative’s Strategic Framework. Learn more.

Strengthening the Public Comments Process

NIH/LMSA LHS+ Travel Award Program Call for Applications

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and NIMHD, in partnership with the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), issued a call for applications for travel awards to attend the NIH/LMSA LHS+ Identity, Development, Empowerment, and Resources Seminar (LIDEReS) in Research.

The NIH/LMSA LHS+ travel award program provides an opportunity for selected residents, fellows, and early career individuals from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in careers in academic medicine and biomedical research to attend the NIH/LMSA LIDEReS in Research in Bethesda, MD, on April 11–13, 2025. Learn more about the award program.

NIH-Wide Strategic Plan for SGM Health Research FY 2026–2030 Request for Information

Staff News

Congratulations to NIMHD recipients of the 2024 NIH Director’s Award in 2024!

These recipients are examples of NIMHD’s excellence and commitment to NIMHD’s mission, vision, and values. This also reflects their tireless efforts in supporting and advancing NIH’s mission and initiatives. 

Individual Awardees

• Kester Williams-Parry, Ph.D., M.A. – Administrative: For outstanding leadership in coordinating NIH-wide reporting on minority health and health disparities to demonstrate the value and impact of NIMHD and NIH-funded research.
• Crystal Barksdale, Ph.D., M.P.H. – Administrative: In recognition of outstanding leadership to the NIH initiatives, ComPASS and Structural Racism and Discrimination in Minority Health and Health Disparities Initiative.

Group Awards

• Vanessa Marshall, Ph.D. and Gina Roussos, Ph.D. (NIMHD Inclusive Participation in Research Workshop Planning Committee) – Scientific/Medical: In recognition of exemplary collaborative efforts to convene a 2-day workshop focused on improving the implementation of evidence-based practices for inclusive participation in clinical research.

• Desi Conway, M.P.A. (2023 Take Your Child to Work Day ICO Coordinators Committee) – Administrative: For exceptional execution of the 2023 Take Your Child to Work Day, inspiring the next generation to explore career paths in science and public service.
• Tilda Farhat, Ph.D., M.P.H. (Unite N Data Working Group) – Administrative: For improving the accuracy, transparency, and usability of Health Disparities and Minority Health Research Data.
• David Banks, Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S.S.W., R.N., Rina Das, Ph.D., and Katherine Ramirez, M.A. (The UNITE E Committee Implementation Team) – Scientific/Medical: For their efforts in developing 14 initiatives for the UNITE E committee to advance diversity, equity, inclusivity, and accessibility of the biomedical research field.
• Larissa Aviles-Santa, M.D., M.P.H., and Rina Das, Ph.D. (NHLBI Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Cohort Study Initiative) – Scientific/Medical: For exceptional NIH-wide collaboration launching the AsA-NHPI Cohort study, which will uncover scientific insight and bridge health gaps in this specific population.

Dr. Deborah Duran: Selected as Health IT Flywheel Award Finalist

Congratulations to Deborah Duran, Ph.D., senior advisor in the Office of the NIMHD Director, on being selected as a Health IT Flywheel Award finalist in the Health Equity Advocate category! The Flywheel Awards, hosted by GovCIO Media & Research, recognize leaders in the federal government who are driving innovation in federal IT. The Health Equity Advocate Award specifically honors those advancing health equity through their work. The winners were announced at the Health IT Summit.

CAPT Anthony Johnson Awarded 2024 Senior Social Worker of the Year

Congratulations to CAPT Anthony Johnson, Ph.D., Scientific Advisor and Training Director in NIMHD’s Division of Intramural Research, on being honored with the 2024 Senior Social Worker of the Year award by the Social Work Professional Advisory Group! This prestigious award is presented annually to Social Work Health Services Officers in the Commissioned Corps of the United States Public Health Service (USPHS) for their outstanding accomplishments, exceptional leadership, and exemplary service. CAPT Johnson's dedication to advancing public health through innovative and strategic solutions has significantly impacted the mission of USPHS. As a licensed clinical social worker with Board Certified Diplomate status, he maintains practice readiness and devotes multiple volunteer hours of social work services to programs dedicated to assisting underrepresented populations every year. Within USPHS, CAPT Johnson has served on several deployment missions addressing health disparities and community health.

Dr. Rada Dagher and Dr. Deborah Linares receive Children Journal Best Paper Award

Congratulations to Rada Dagher, Ph.D., M.P.H., scientific program director, and Deborah Linares, Ph.D., M.A., scientific program director, being honored with the best paper award from the journal Children! The award highlights publications of high quality, significance, and extensive influence. The international, peer-reviewed journal Children recognized them for their paper "A Critical Review on the Complex Interplay Between Social Determinants of Health and Maternal and Infant Mortality." This recognition emphasizes the importance and impact of their work, which comprehensively reviews how social determinants of health affect maternal and infant health and mortality. Their research improves our understanding of the complex social determinants of health influencing maternal and infant health outcomes and underscores the need for addressing the underlying social causes of health disparities.