
The NINDS is committed to reducing the disproportionate burden of neurological disease borne by underserved groups of society, including racial and ethnic minority, rural, and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations, by funding a spectrum of research from basic science through clinical studies and training the next generation of health disparities investigators.
Health disparities populations are in need of effective tailored prevention and treatment approaches. Poorer health outcomes in these populations when compared to the general US population have a dramatic impact on public health and are a significant cost to society. Supporting research to diminish health disparities in neurological disorders is inherent in the NINDS mission to reduce the burden of neurological disease, a burden borne by every segment of society. (see NINDS Office of Global Health and Health Disparities)
New Strategic Plan
In 2020, NINDS began a new planning effort focused on health disparities and health equity for neurological disorders with a Request for Information (RFI) to gather broad input. The findings and recommendations of the NANDSC Working Group were approved by NINDS Advisory Council on February 2, 2022 and will be posted the NINDS Health Equity Strategic Planning page. Any additional updates related to this plan will be made available soon.
Health Disparities and Stroke
Stroke continues to be a major focus of NINDS health disparities research efforts, as it remains one of the largest and most burdensome disparities in neurological health with substantial opportunities for improving outcomes. NINDS supports research to better understand stroke disparities and to inform the development of effective interventions in specific population groups who suffer a disproportionately higher burden of stroke.
Current NINDS-supported stroke disparities research highlights:
- REGARDS (REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke)
- The Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS)
- Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC)
- Stroke Health and Risk Education (SHARE)
- Hip Hop Stroke
- Columbia University's SWIFT (Stroke Warning Information and Faster Treatment)
Estimates of Funding for Various Research, Condition, and Disease Categories
Research/Disease Areas* | FY 2020 (Actual) |
FY 2021 (Actual) |
FY 2022 Estimated (Enacted) |
FY 2023 Estimated |
---|---|---|---|---|
Health Disparities | $3,484 | $4,362 | $4,566 | $4,963 |
*Dollars in millions and rounded
Proceedings & Outcomes
Inclusion Research
Findings from clinical trials are applied broadly in clinical practice and inform treatment guidelines that affect the clinical care of the general population. To ensure that new preventive, diagnostic, and treatment approaches are safe and effective for diverse subgroups represented in the population, the studies must enroll sufficient numbers of minority subjects. The NINDS helps its grantees adhere to the NIH policy for Inclusion of Women and Minorities in Clinical Research through several activities designed to facilitate investigators' efforts to meet enrollment targets. In addition to the activities described below, a clinical trials recruitment expert in the NINDS Office of Clinical Research works directly with the grantees and program directors on issues related to recruitment and retention.
Clinical Research United in Successful Enrollment (CRUiSE)
NINDS co-sponsored an NHLBI workshop to address successful recruitment in clinical trials. Three key areas were addressed: 1) public and professional awareness and acceptance of clinical trials; 2) human subject research policies, guidelines, and reimbursement; and 3) clinical trial enrollment experience and practice. A significant portion of the conference addressed the barriers and solutions to improve the inclusion of minorities in clinical trials. Seventy-five participants, including invited speakers representing clinical researchers, private advocacy groups, industry, and federal sponsors and regulatory agencies, attended.
Inclusion Research funded by NINDS
Resources and Tools
Contacts
Richard T. Benson, M.D., Ph.D. | Director, Office of Global Health and Health Disparities
richard.benson@nih.gov
Cheryse A. Sankar, Ph.D. | Program Director, Health Disparities
cheryse.sankar@nih.gov
Stacey D. Chambers, M.S. | Scientific Project Manager
stacey.chambers@nih.gov
Erica L. Littlejohn, Ph.D. | Health Program Specialist
erica.littlejohn@nih.gov
Naomi E. Booker, M.P.H. | Health Program Specialist
naomi.booker@nih.gov
Funding Opportunities
FOA Highlight
- RFA-MD-21-004: Understanding and Addressing the Impact of Structural Racism and Discrimination on Minority Health and Health Disparities (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)
- Awarded Grants: Total of 38 R01s were funded (see list of awards on NIH RePORTER)
- Application Funded by NINDS: Examining racial segregation and underlying mechanisms related to VCID and incident stroke in the REGARDS study
News & Events
- NIMHD Inclusive Participation in Clinical Research Workshop |Thursday-Friday, March 30-31, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. ET | Register now!
- Save the Dates: NIMHD 2023 Health Disparities Research Institute (HDRI) August 7 - 11, 2023 | Visit the HDRI webpage to learn more about the program, eligibility requirements, selection criteria, and how to apply.
- NASEM Report Release: Advancing Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in STEM Organizations: A Consensus Study |View Report
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Upcoming NASEM Virtual Workshop Series! Addressing Health Disparities in Central Nervous System Disorders
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Topics: Structural and Social Determinants of Risk, Disparities in Access to Care, and Moving Forward to Drive Transformative Change
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When: April 13th, 18th, & 25th | Register now!
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Related Topics
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REGARDS (REasons for Geographic And Racial Differences in Stroke)
REGARDS is a large cohort study evaluating the causes of racial and geographic differences in stroke mortality and cognitive decline in the United States.The Northern Manhattan Study (NOMAS)
NOMAS is a prospective population-based study of stroke incidence, risk factors, and prognosis in a multiethnic, urban population.Stroke Warning Information and Faster Treatment (SWIFT)
The Columbia University's SWIFT (Stroke Warning information and Faster Treatment) study identifies actions/barriers toward optimal "Stroke Preparedness" within a multiethnic community.Brain Attack Surveillance in Corpus Christi (BASIC)
The BASIC project is a population-based study that examines the magnitude and etiologies of the stroke health disparity between Mexican Americans and non Hispanic whites.Stroke Health And Risk Education (SHARE)
The SHARE study is a behavior change, educational intervention study aimed at primary stroke prevention for Mexican Americans and non Hispanic whites in Corpus Christi, Texas. SHARE is a partnership between University of Michigan researchers and the Diocese of Corpus Christi.Hip Hop Stroke
Hip Hop Stroke is a musical multimedia stroke literacy intervention designed to raise stroke awareness and behavioral intent to call 911 for acute stroke.