NIMHD’s Conversations with Researchers Innovating to Promote Health Equity

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. As we celebrate the significant contributions to America—from its history through present day—by people who represent Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, we recognize researchers who are promoting health equity through their work funded through NIMHD’s Small Business Innovation Research/Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Program.

Sleep plays an important role in maintaining vital body organs and systems (such as metabolism, cognition, memory, attention, mental health, cardiovascular health). Yet, about 50 to 70 million U.S. adults report having a sleep problem, either short sleep duration or long sleep duration.

In a recent study funded by NIMHD, researchers found that acculturation and depression are associated with short and long sleep duration among Mexican Americans. The researchers defined:

Medicaid covers both prenatal and postpartum care for many people in the United States who have low incomes, but current federal law allows Medicaid coverage only for U.S.

Conversation with Dr. Eva Moya, University of Texas at El Paso

Translating Data on HPV and Cancer Prevention into Action

In the United States, type 2 diabetes (T2D) is more common in all racial and ethnic minority groups than in non-Hispanic White populations. T2D that is not properly controlled significantly raises the risk of serious complications, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and stroke. Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet low in refined grains, added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats is a critical part of managing T2D. However, it can be challenging for people experiencing food insecurity to access the nutritious foods needed to maintain a healthy diet.

NIMHD’s Conversations with Researchers Advancing Health Equity

September 15 to October 15 is National Hispanic American Heritage Month. As we celebrate the significant contributions to America—from its history through present day—by people who represent Hispanic and Latino communities, we recognize researchers who are promoting health equity through their work to advance the science of minority health and health disparities.

In 2010, Congress passed the Affordable Care Act (ACA), which included extending health insurance to more Americans. Under that law, states were given the option to expand Medicaid coverage to people at a higher income level. A new study supported by NIMHD has found that the Medicaid expansion increased the number of young adults covered by health insurance. It increased the quality of care they receive following traumatic injuries, such as those sustained in a car accident or a fall.

Conversation with Dr. Yun-Chi Chen, Morgan State University