Publications

There are large and persistent disparities in life expectancy among racial-ethnic groups in the USA, but the extent to which these patterns vary geographically on a local scale is not well understood. This analysis estimated life expectancy for five racial-ethnic groups, in 3110 US counties over 20 years, to describe spatial-temporal variations in life expectancy and disparities between racial-ethnic groups.

NIMHD-funded research shows that the economic burden of health disparities in the U.S. continues to rise. The national and state-level estimates of the burden associated with race and ethnicity and educational level are high, indicating a need for policies and interventions that promote health equity.

NIMHD contributes to an authoritative resource textbook designed to help researchers better understand the framework for conducting minority health and health disparities science. The Science of Health Disparities Research is a first-of-its-kind volume that provides state-of-the-science information on advancing theory, refining measurement, improving investigative methods, and diversifying scientific research.

This special supplement funded by NIMHD presents research and perspectives focused on expanding methodological approaches to monitor and reduce health disparities for minority populations.

Learn more about Science Visioning at NIMHD

This special supplement, sponsored by NIMHD, with an introductory editorial led by NIMHD Director Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, M.D., with NIMHD Health Scientist Administrator Beda Jean-Francois, Ph.D., and NIMHD Chief of Staff Courtney Ferrell Aklin, Ph.D., reports on the use of health information technologies to reduce disparities in health care access and outcomes.