New Programs will Address Health Disparities

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The National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) is launching the Transdisciplinary Collaborative Centers (TCC) for Health Disparities Research on Chronic Disease Prevention program. The goal of the programs are to address the health disparities in chronic diseases between racial and ethnic minorities, including Latinos.

The new centers will focus their research efforts on “development, implementation, and dissemination” of community-based, multi-level interventions. These will be aimed at combating heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The centers will share nearly $20 million in funding over five years.

“Multilevel interventions that take into account complex interactions between individuals and their environments can better address determinants of health and enhance chronic disease prevention and health promotion for local communities,” said NIMHD Director Dr. Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable. “Studies in these centers will add to our knowledge of what works in health disparities populations, thus advancing knowledge towards our nation’s health.”

In order to reduce health disparities, it is critical to address inequities in programs, practices, and policies. Join our site, connect with others, and get involved.

Latinos are disproportionately afflicted with health disparities in heart disease and diabetes and specific cancers, such as colon, breast, and cervical cancers. Where people live, work, and play has a significant impact on chronic diseases and health conditions. The new TCC programs look outside of the individual and their behavioral risk factors and will engage families, communities, healthcare systems, and local policies that all impact health.

Each center includes community organizations, academic institutions, clinicians and health care systems. There are also state and local public health agencies on site. The programs will translate community needs into best practices to be put into usage at local clinics, churches, and community centers.