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Health disparities in minority populations are well documented realities.
Minority groups often have higher occurrences of chronic disease, mortality and
poor health outcomes. According to Statistics provided by the American Public
Health Association, African-Americans have a cancer rate that is 10 % higher
than among whites. In addition, Latinos along with African Americans are twice
as likely to be diagnosed with Diabetes. Minorities also have a higher rate of
cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS and infant mortality than non-minority groups.
Outlined in a report on “eliminating health disparities”, were several steps to
consider when developing policies to eliminate these gaps. Ensuring consistent
racial and ethnic data collection by health care providers and greater minority
representation within the healthcare workforce were included
on the list. |
Keith Norris, M.D. |
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There
exist numerous opportunities to explore diagnosis, prevention and mechanisms to
address the health issues affecting minority and underserved communities. The RCMI Translational Research Network is a cooperative research network that will
facilitate translational research in health disparity areas. RTRN is building an
environment in which researchers, investigators and members of the health
community can collaborate to discover improved health outcomes for these groups.
RTRN is strategically positioned to facilitate
interdisciplinary clinical and translational research. RTRN has established a
solid technological foundation to support intellectual exchange, generate
innovative inter- and multi-disciplinary research and facilitate the movement of
scientific advances throughout the translational research spectrum. The
network’s ability to enhance collaborations and offer state-of-the-art
technology to support multi-institutional based clinical research and clinical
trials will accelerate the transition from basic and applied research, resulting
in improved health care delivery. Additionally, RTRN is primed to lead efforts
in developing the next generation of scientists and researchers preparing to
address health disparities. RTRN supports training and educational resources
that in time will aid these scientists in identifying improved methods that
specifically address the diseases and health issues affecting minority men and
women around the world. I, along with Co-Principal Investigators, Dr. David Easa
and Dr. James Perkins, are excited about the collaborative research
opportunities that will become increasingly available through the network. We
are implementing comprehensive and purposeful approaches for managing research
projects that will bolster our members’ research endeavors. Management and staff
will work closely with the Principals, projects leaders and researchers to
ensure their understanding of the RTRN process for submitting a proposal,
developing protocols, securing funds and identifying means and resources to
implement successful clinical or translation research studies. It is critical to
the Network’s success that our members are presented with the resources and
tools pertinent to advancing their studies, strengthening their collaborative
initiatives and inciting additional research ideas.
RTRN is a medium that will allow great minds to unite towards
a common goal. We look forward to working with the all RCMI sites - principal
investigators, program directors, researchers, investigators and research
support personnel - as we continue to build and develop the RCMI Translational
Research Network.
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