The issue of racial and ethnic health disparities is a broad and difficult challenge that quickly overwhelms traditional approaches. We propose a program of work that conducts a true interdisciplinary evaluation of health disparities leading to new and integrated strategic approaches. Our research team will study likely approaches to reducing racial disparities in the outcome of pregnancy, from three important dimensions—Leaders, Providers and Patients. This research has three overarching goals: 1) to develop an optimal interdisciplinary research infrastructure; 2) to develop testable hypotheses for new and more effective approaches to augmented prenatal care as a strategy for improving pregnancy outcome; and 3) to provide an effective mechanism for communicating research-based information to leaders, providers, and African American women. Scholars representing 17 different, yet collaborative, schools, colleges, centers, institutes and departments will contribute to this effort.
For more information please contact: Kristine Siefert.