Gaps in health outcomes exist between the general population and groups of people who experience systematic obstacles to health based on their race or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, or other characteristics linked to exclusion.
Nowhere are such health gaps more evident than in the South, home to some of America’s poorest communities. These communities lack resources as basic as a clean environment, access to grocery stores, and safe streets. Their residents are exposed to multiple daily stressors and bear the burden of many chronic diseases.
Critical Connection Between Investigators & Vulnerable Populations
Strategically located in the heart of the region, the UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center's research and training programs enable young scientists to pursue research on health disparities, while our community outreach program identifies urgent health questions and needs and implements evidence-based strategies to reduce health disparities and promote health equity. The highlight of our work are the millions of underserved minority men, women, and children whose lives are impacted through our efforts.
The MHERC is built on three programs: research, training, and community engagement. These programs align with the University’s strategic goals and make it an enabling platform for UAB’s research, teaching, and service missions. Additionally, the Center is home to unique research cores and service teams that help facilitate health disparity and health equity work: Social Determinants of Health, Recruitment and Retention Shared Facility, Community Health Coaches, and Communications.
If you are interested in health disparities and the health of vulnerable populations, please contact us. The MHERC can offer support and resources to facilitate your research, training, and community engagement initiatives.