Office of Research on Women’s Health 

NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan 

Fiscal Years 2004-2008 
NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

Table of Contents 

Mission/Vision Statement.........................................................................................3 

Strategy for Addressing Health Disparities............................................................6 

1.0 Areas of Emphasis in Research........................... .............................................7 

1.1 Area of Emphasis One..............................................................................................

2.0 Areas of Emphasis in Research Capacity......................................................13 

2.1 Area of Emphasis One..............................................................................................

2.2 Area of Emphasis Two........................... ..................................................................

3.0 Areas of Emphasis in Community Outreach, Information Dissemination, and 

Public Health Education................................................................................20 

3.1 Area of Emphasis One..............................................................................................

3.2 Area of Emphasis Two........................... ..................................................................

3.3 Area of Emphasis Three...........................................................................

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

MISSION/VISION STATEMENT

MISSION 

The Office of Research on Women’s Health (ORWH) was established in September 1990 

within the Office of the Director, National Institutes of Health (NIH), to serve as a 

catalyst and focal point for women’s health research at NIH. 

The ORWH (a) advises the NIH Director and staff on matters relating to research on 

women’s health; (b) strengthens and enhances research related to diseases, disorders, and 

conditions that affect women; (c) ensures that research conducted and supported by NIH 

adequately addresses issues regarding women’s health; (d) ensures that women are 

appropriately represented in biomedical and biobehavioral research studies supported by 

NIH; (e) develops opportunities for and supports recruitment, retention, re-entry, and 

advancement of women in biomedical careers; and (f) supports research on women’s 

health issues. The ORWH works in partnership with the NIH institutes and centers to 

ensure that women's health research is part of the scientific framework at NIH and 

throughout the scientific community. 

ORWH was given the mandate to: 

3⁄4 Strengthen, develop, and increase research into diseases, disorders, and conditions 

that affect women, determine gaps in knowledge about such conditions and diseases, 

and then establish a research agenda for NIH for future directions in women’s health 

research; 

3⁄4 Ensure that women (and minorities) are appropriately represented in biomedical and 

biobehavioral research studies, especially clinical trials, that are supported by NIH; 

and 

3⁄4 Develop and implement initiatives to increase the number of women in biomedical 

careers and to facilitate their advancement and promotion. 

The Office is responsible for establishing NIH-wide goals and policies for research 

related to women’s health and coordinating NIH activities undertaken in performing such 

research. 

With the participation of the biomedical, public policy, and advocacy communities, the 

ORWH developed a research agenda that addresses the ways in which biologic 

characteristics including sex, gender, age, race/ethnicity, economic status, geographic 

location such as rural or inner city living, and other factors influence the health of 

women. The Agenda for Research on Women’s Health for the 21st Century1

(http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/report.pdf) is based upon several general principles and 

the expanded definition of women’s health. The published report serves as the foundation 

on which research priorities and programmatic direction are established. The members of 

the NIH Advisory Committee on Research on Women’s Health, composed of nonfederal 

representatives, further review the recommendations that are utilized to determine 

priority research areas. 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

In the development of women’s health research and programmatic priorities, the 

following four overarching themes are currently recommended: 

1. Sex/Gender Determinants Women are characterized by both sex and gender as 

highlighted in the ORWH Agenda for Research in Women’s Health for the 21st

Century and the Institute of Medicine report, entitled Exploring the Biological 

Contributions to Human Health: Does Sex Matter?

2

 Sex factors that contribute to the 

biological differences include chromosomes, reproduction, and hormones. The 

effects of gender on psychological, social, and behavioral perspectives are important 

considerations in most areas of research. Consideration of these variables is critical

to the accurate interpretation and validation of research affecting women’s health. 

Moreover, these variables determine how similar or different health or disease 

processes may be between women and men. 

2. Health Disparities/Differences and Diversity Women are disproportionately 

affected by some conditions and diseases in terms of incidence, diagnosis, course, and 

response to treatment. Some populations of women may be at higher risk for adverse 

disease outcomes because of factors such as: biology, environment, race/ethnicity, 

culture, education, access to care, and quality of care. Therefore, the need exists for 

opportunities for inclusion of diverse populations of women as volunteers in clinical 

studies. Thus, clinical research should include, but not be limited to, populationspecific characteristics such as cultural diversity, race, ethnicity, immigrant status, 

rural or inner city residency, poverty, sexual orientation, and physical or mental 

disabilities. 

3. Lifespan The health of girls and women is affected by developmental, 

physiological, and psychological age. Women’s lives are marked by continuum from

intrauterine life to the elderly years: infancy, childhood and adolescence, menarche, 

reproductive life, the menopausal transition, postmenopausal years, the elderly and 

frail elderly. Many women’s lives and health status are influenced by factors such as 

work inside and outside the home, care-giving roles such as childcare and elder care 

responsibilities, reproductive influences, and chronic illness. Each of these may 

influence health, disease, treatment choices, and response to therapy. Researchers 

should consider these variables in designing studies related to women’s health. 

4. Interdisciplinary Research With increasing understanding of the inter-relatedness 

and complexity of disease, the nature of scientific investigation is shifting to an 

interdisciplinary collaborative approach. Advances in women’s health can be better 

achieved by promoting partnerships in cross-disciplinary research from basic, 

clinical, and translational research that involves collaborative interactions among 

investigators in all areas of academic, private industry, and federal settings, and 

provides access to the latest scientific tools and technologies. 

Research from many perspectives is needed in women’s health, including integration 

of knowledge from disparate sources as well as teams with multiple areas of scientific 

expertise. Interdisciplinary research can facilitate the integration of basic science, 

clinical research and translational research, population studies, behavioral and social 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

research, and outcomes research. An additional focus on bioengineering and 

biomedical informatics, genomics, proteonomics, imaging, industry, and 

metabolomics is increasingly relevant to research on women’s health. 

VISION 

The Office of Research on Women's Health at the NIH seeks to enhance and expand 

research and programs based upon science-driven initiatives that can, then, redress 

inequities in prevention, detection, and treatment of illness among women of diverse 

races, cultures, and circumstances. In its policies and programs, the ORWH emphasizes 

the need to consider not only influences of sex and gender, but other biologic and social 

bases for differences between men and women in health and disease. In addition, 

emphasis is placed on designing research studies in order to determine racial and ethnic 

influences. The ORWH leads the trans-NIH efforts to ensure that all components of the 

NIH comply with the guidelines requiring the inclusion of women and minority members 

in human subject research. A trans-NIH Tracking and Inclusion Committee convened by 

ORWH and co-chaired by a senior IC official monitors the adherence of ICs to the NIH 

policy and procedures for inclusion of women and minorities in clinical research funded 

by NIH. This committee also tracks data on the numbers of women and minorities 

participating in clinical research. 

In concert with the institutes and centers of the NIH, the ORWH develops and/or 

supports research and initiates programs to implement the recommendations of the 

Agenda for Research on Women’s Health for the 21st Century to address the gaps in 

knowledge about diverse populations of girls and women. The ORWH also undertakes 

activities designed to foster the participation of diverse populations of women in 

biomedical research as study subjects and as investigators, to redress disparities in the 

health status and health outcomes of diverse populations of women and to provide career 

development opportunities to diversify the pool of biomedical researchers with an interest 

in addressing health disparities. 

The ORWH will continue to pursue these mandates in conjunction with the scientific, 

professional and advocacy communities of women and men. In expanding and 

enhancing these visionary goals, particular attention will be given to new and evolving

factors that influence our understanding of health as well as innovative directions for 

improving health status especially among disparate and minority populations. Emphasis 

will be given to collaborative efforts to enhance interdisciplinary research and career 

development, the clinical translation of the results of research, as well as creation of a 

cadre of new investigators prepared for emerging scientific challenges. ORWH

contributions should and would enhance knowledge about the health of women, and men, 

of diverse racial, ethnic, social, geographic and other characteristics in the global 

environment. 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

STRATEGY FOR ADDRESSING HEALTH DISPARITIES 

To ensure that the health and career concerns of specific groups of underrepresented and 

minority women and men are adequately and appropriately addressed, the ORWH has 

given priority to the initiation of new research studies that address health and health 

disparities including sex/gender factors. The ORWH has initiated programs to increase 

opportunities for women of all races in biomedical careers. Further, the ORWH is 

addressing issues to increase the participation of diverse populations of women and 

minorities in clinical research through monitoring the implementation of the NIH 

inclusion policy, as well as through efforts to help investigators recruit and retain diverse 

populations in their clinical studies. The ORWH will develop and expand programs to 

increase and encourage opportunities for a diverse pool of women to enter and 

successfully advance in biomedical careers. The ORWH will continue in its collaborative 

efforts with the Office of Extramural Research (OER) and the ICs, to ensure that the 

inclusion policy requiring women and minorities in clinical research is continually 

addressed and recognized as part of the scientific review within the grant application 

process. 

Specific policies and programs have been implemented to ensure that minority women 

benefit from the NIH sponsored research. Through a broad-based effort involving 

clinicians, researchers, community leaders, health activists, psychologists, social 

scientists, and citizens, the ORWH developed the Agenda for Research on Women’s 

Health in the 21st Century. Volume 6 of the agenda series, Differences Among 

Populations of Women3

 (http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/agenda_book_6.pdf),focuses on 

the specific health needs of minority women, women in rural areas and inner cities, and 

other groups that have traditionally been underserved by the medical research and health 

care communities. Critical issues addressed include the importance of delineating factors 

that contribute to disparities in health status and health outcomes among diverse 

populations of women. These include biological, genetic, racial, cultural and ethnic, 

psychosocial and behavioral factors, educational influences, traditional and alternative

health practices, environmental influences, poverty and socioeconomic status, access to 

health care and occupational issues. 

The ORWH also publishes a lay version of the Agenda for Research on Women’s Health 

for the 21st Century, in English, Volume 74

 (http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/agendavol7.pdf) and in Spanish, Volume 85

 (http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/agenda-vol8-

spanish.pdf) in order to provide information about the importance of research and help 

educate to the lay public about research addressing health disparities as well as current 

and future priorities. 

Additionally, the ORWH generates and distributes several professional and lay 

publications related to women’s health research and minority/disadvantaged women, such 

as the Women of Color Health Data Book6

, available in hard copy and online in both 

English (http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/wocEnglish2002.pdf) and Spanish 

(http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/wocSpanish.pdf). This publication will continue to be 

updated with current research findings related to the health of many different populations 

of women and incorporates new and useful data and statistics from research. 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

It is important and scientifically appropriate for women and minorities to be included in 

human subject research so that differences in response to interventions can be determined 

and all populations can benefit from the outcomes of research. The findings of 

biomedical and behavioral research provide the scientific basis for improving standards 

of care, formulating public health policy, changing individuals' health-related behaviors 

and expectations of their health, modifying health care delivery systems, and creating 

strategies for overcoming cultural and economic barriers to health care.7

 The continuing 

challenge is to confront the recruitment and retention of women, minorities, and other 

participants to ensure that clinical research is representative, relative, and targeted to 

address scientific questions important to the public health. 

The ORWH recognizes that to succeed in recruiting and retaining diverse populations of 

women in clinical research, it is necessary to enlist the help of community-based 

individuals and organizations and health professionals who are on the front lines of health 

care delivery. Several important factors in overcoming barriers that often limit the 

participation of ethnic minorities in research include (a) cultural competence on the part 

of researchers regarding the intended study population; (b) collaboration with and 

participation of communities and community groups of the targeted population in the 

planning, implementation and evaluation of such research; and (c) utilizing researchers 

who are themselves from the communities they seek to include in studies. 

The ORWH will continue to expand the number of efforts to assist in the recruitment and 

retention of women and minorities in NIH funded clinical research. The Outreach

Notebook for the Inclusion, Recruitment and Retention of Women and Minority Subjects 

in Clinical Research8

 (http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/outreach.pdf) is and continues to be 

widely disseminated throughout the scientific and advocacy communities. This document 

contains practical guidance, examples and advice on recruiting minority women in 

clinical studies as well as a list of resources for investigators as they seek to comply with 

the NIH inclusion guidelines. The implementation of these guidelines is a partnership 

between the ORWH and other components of the NIH and the broader scientific 

community. The publication assists investigators and public health policy makers address 

the continuing challenges confronting the recruitment and retention of women, men and 

minorities, so that clinical research is representative, relevant, and targeted to address 

scientific questions important to the public health. 

A report of a recent workshop, Science Meets Reality: Recruitment and Retention of 

Women in Clinical Studies and the Critical Role of Relevance9

 provides innovative and 

proven methods for the inclusion of women and minorities. This report, which is based 

on the experiences of many accomplished and successful researchers in conducting 

clinical research with women and minorities, will continue to be used as a resource 

providing advice to investigators, information to potential volunteers and examples for 

program development efforts. A summary of this meeting is available on the ORWH

website at http://www4.od.nih.gov/orwh/smr.html. 

Recognizing that research is essential to providing the scientific basis for improvements 

in health status and health care, the ORWH is dedicated to fostering and supporting 

efforts to improve the health of all Americans, especially those whose health concerns 

have not been adequately addressed by the biomedical research community in the past. 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

1.0 AREAS OF EMPHASIS IN RESEARCH 

1.1 Area of Emphasis One: Sex/Gender Determinants and Health 

Disparities/Differences and Diversity

ORWH employs a deliberative process annually to review and revise the NIH-wide 

Research Priorities for Women’s Health. Since its establishment, ORWH has been 

fostering greater awareness of the study of sex/gender differences in all areas of health

and disease, and the importance of including sufficient numbers of minorities and 

subpopulations of minority girls and women in order to obtain valid research results and 

address health disparities. Because the ORWH does not have direct funding authority,

ORWH collaborates with the NIH institutes and centers to fund or co-fund meritorious 

research grants. 

 

1.1.1 Objective One: Increase Awareness of Need for Sex/Gender and 

Race/Ethnicity Analysis Components in Proposed Research Studies

Create greater awareness among extramural scientific reviewers of the need for research 

applications under review to include sex/gender analysis as well as analysis by 

race/ethnicity, as part of the proposed research studies. 

1.1.1.1 Action Plan

Working with the Office of Extramural Research (OER), expand and update current 

scientific review guidelines for extramural scientists involved in Center for Scientific 

Review (CSR)-directed reviews. 

 

1.1.1.2 Performance Measures 

Continue to create and disseminate clearer criteria to extramural scientists participating in 

CSR peer review groups to follow in reviewing grant applications and proposals, 

specifying requirements as to sex, race, and ethnicity of study participants, and the 

importance of evaluating sex/gender differences. 

Continue to partner with extramural resources to foster the evaluation of sex/gender 

research, especially innovative methods for analyses. 

Continue to publicize research findings that showcase sex/gender analysis, and continue 

to encourage journal publishers to emphasize the importance of sex/gender analysis. 

1.1.1.3 Outcome Measures

Increased number of research grants that address sex/gender factors in health and disease. 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

Increased collaboration with NIH institutes and centers in the development, 

implementation and support of innovative approaches in the design of research studies 

that address sex/gender differences. 

1.1.2 Objective Two: Stress Inclusion of Minority Populations and Subpopulations 

of Minority Women and Girls in Research Grants

Communicate the scientific relevance and importance of including minority populations, 

the subpopulations of minority girls and women in NIH-supported research grants in 

order to address health disparities. 

1.1.2.1 Action Plan

In collaboration with the NIH institutes and centers, encourage and foster innovative 

approaches and methodologies to study health problems, risk factors, and protective 

factors among minority girls and women in order to address health disparities. 

 

1.1.2.2 Performance Measures 

Encourage greater awareness among scientific reviewers of the requirement for and the 

scientific reasoning for investigators to include diverse populations and subpopulations of 

minority girls and women as study participants. 

In collaboration with OER, promote a more comprehensive review of all grant 

applications, ensuring investigators clearly document their inclusion/exclusion, if 

scientifically relevant, of minority girls and women as study participants in research 

studies. 

In collaboration with OER, promote the development of culturally appropriate 

instrumentation and outcome measures for minority populations, especially 

subpopulations of minority girls and women. 

In collaboration with OER, encourage the development of research models that include 

and define the provision of subpopulations of minorities, girls and women. 

Incorporate the use of a qualitative models as well as quantitative models so that 

researchers can better facilitate studies in different minority populations and 

subpopulations of minority girls and women. 

1.1.2.3 Outcome Measures

Increased collaboration with NIH institutes and centers in the development, 

implementation and support of innovative approaches in the design of research studies 

that address health disparities in minority girls and women. 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

1.1.3 Objective Three: Improve Study of and Communication to Minority

Communities 

Improved Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting of Information to Minority 

Communities. 

1.1.3.1 Action Plan

Continue to monitor the inclusion of women and minorities, especially those who have 

previously been excluded from clinical studies, and to stress the importance of the 

resulting differential data, and conveying those differences to the scientific and consumer 

communities. 

1.1.3.2 Performance Measures 

Continued examination and identification of the cultural and financial barriers for 

minority girls and women to participation in clinical studies. 

Foster the design of additional or new research studies to specifically address health 

disparities of various populations, especially of minority girls and women. 

Promote greater communication and dissemination of culturally appropriate and sensitive 

information to minority girls and women. 

Promote collaboration with faith-based and community-based organizations in the design 

and implementation of research studies. 

1.1.3.3 Outcome Measures

Increased compliance with the requirement for inclusion of women and minorities and 

the number of NIH-funded investigators who include minority girls and women as 

participants in clinical studies, at the time of initial grant application. 

Monitor the increase in publications on this subject from local and national organizations. 

1.1.4 Objective Four: Stress Study of Diseases and Conditions Disparately 

Affecting Minority Groups 

Encourage investigators to study diseases and conditions within the minority 

communities by focusing on girls and women who are at higher risk for specific diseases 

or conditions. 

1.1.4.1 Action Plan

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

In collaboration with NIH institutes and centers, encourage and foster innovative research 

on diseases and disorders prevalent in minority populations. 

 

1.1.4.2 Performance Measures 

Increased attention to gaps in knowledge related to diseases and conditions specific to 

minority girls and women, or that have a higher prevalence in these populations. 

Consistent planning and designing of research studies leading to better appreciation of the 

health problems and risk factors within the minority female population. 

Involvement of minority investigators in research, especially those who have access to 

distinct resources within their community. 

Improve partnerships between investigators and communities in the design and conduct 

of the research, and in recruitment of study participants. 

Develop and expand research collaborations with minority academic institutions such as 

Hispanic serving institutions (HSI), Historically Black colleges and Universities (HBCU) 

and Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU); and state organizations servicing women in 

the respective minority communities.

1.1.4.3 Outcome Measures

Increased knowledge about diseases and conditions that are more prevalent or may affect 

populations and subpopulations of minority girls and women. 

Increase the scientific bases for studies focusing on diseases and conditions more 

prevalent among or affecting populations and subpopulations of minority girls and 

women. 

1.1.5 Objective Five: Promote Participation of Minority Women Investigators in 

Clinical Research

In collaboration with NIH institutes and centers, encourage the participation of minority 

women as investigators in the planning, design and scientific review of clinical studies. 

1.1.5.1 Action Plan 

In collaboration with OER, profile career development awards for women and minority 

investigators throughout the NIH. 

In collaboration with OER, determine innovative ways to overcome the barriers for 

minority women as investigators and/or participants in research. 

1.1.5.2 Performance Measures 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

Examine specific barriers to participation in clinical research and access to health care 

from the minority woman’s perspective, both as an investigator, and as a study 

participant. 

Promote active participation of minority women in research projects, especially as it 

relates to problem identification, selecting appropriate recruitment strategies, methods of 

data collection, and participating in the analysis and interpretation of study results. 

1.1.5.3 Outcome Measures

In collaboration with OER, increase the number of NIH-funded investigators who include 

minority women in the planning and designing of clinical studies, as co-investigators and 

as study participants. 

1.1.6 Objective Six: Increase Understanding of Contributions and Needs of 

Minority Women in Science

Promote a better understanding in the biomedical and behavioral research community of 

the potential contributions and special needs of minority women in science. 

1.1.6.1 Action Plan 

In collaboration with the NIH institutes and centers, identify successful models of women 

and minority scientists across the extramural funding portfolios. 

1.1.6.2 Performance Measures 

Encourage greater awareness and acceptance of the uniqueness of minority women 

scientists in all areas of the biomedical and research community. 

Implementation of programs that encourage diversity and increased cultural sensitivity

for minority women in all facets of the academic and professional environment. 

Collaboration with organizations to ensure that the environmental, linguistic and physical 

access needs of minority women is addressed. 

Inclusion of minority women in the planning and implementation of NIH-sponsored 

events directed to special populations of women. 

1.1.6.3 Outcome Measures 

Increased participation of minority women, as investigators and study participants, in 

both biomedical and behavioral research. 

Increased participation of minority women in leadership roles in both biomedical and 

behavioral research. 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

2.0 AREAS OF EMPHASIS IN RESEARCH CAPACITY 

2.1 Area of Emphasis One: Career Development and Research 

Training 

The ORWH’s mandate includes the development of opportunities for the recruitment, 

retention, reentry, and advancement of women in biomedical careers. A wide variety of 

career development programs have been implemented over the years including the 

Building Interdisciplinary Research Careers in Women’s Health (BIRCWH) program, an 

innovative K-12 program to support the training of junior faculty researchers in a 

mentored environment in women's health research. Because ORWH does not have direct 

funding authority, all projects are funded or co-funded through the NIH institutes and 

centers. 

Expansion and continuation of programs such as these is part of the overall plan for 

career development and research training in ORWH. 

2.1.1 Objective One: Promote Educational and Professional Development of 

Special Populations

Foster education, training, and professional development of women and minorities in

biomedical careers. 

2.1.1.1 Action Plan

Expand and continue to develop programs such as the ORWH Reentry Program and the 

BIRCWH Programs which strongly encourage the involvement of women and minorities. 

Develop and expand programs to support special populations of women interested in 

pursing careers in science at the middle school, high school, undergraduate and graduate 

levels. 

Promote continued collaboration with NIH institutes and centers as well as other agencies 

to utilize ORWH career development and research training programs and initiatives. 

Encourage collaboration between ICs to provide awards for minority students interested 

in scientific careers. 

Foster programs that can help to increase the success rate of grant applications for 

minority women investigators. 

 

2.1.1.2 Performance Measures 

Increase in the number of applications submitted requesting participation in ORWH

sponsored/cosponsored programs such as the BIRCWH and the Reentry program. 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

The BIRCWH program seeks to increase the number of researchers working on women's 

health issues by pairing junior researchers with senior investigators in mentored, 

interdisciplinary scientific settings. ORWH leads the BIRCWH initiative and several NIH 

Institutes, the Office of Dietary Supplements, and the Agency for Healthcare Research 

and Quality co-sponsor this program. 

The ORWH Re-entry Program was developed in 1992 as a pilot program to help fully 

trained scientists (women and men) reestablish careers in biomedical or behavioral 

science after taking time off to care for children or parents, or to attend to other family 

responsibilities. This program is now supported by all NIH institutes. 

Increase in the number of materials on biomedical careers requested by community 

organizations, students, teachers, and health professionals. 

ORWH continues to provide support to the Office of Education and the Office of Science 

Education to develop programs that enhance opportunities for students and intramural 

research fellows. Programs include video and poster series aimed at middle school and 

college students, career development workshops, science communication courses, and

Fellows Award for Research Excellence (FARE). Future plans include adding a video on 

dentistry highlighting minorities and women professionals. 

The ORWH supports ongoing projects and has initiated specific training projects that

include opportunities for minority students, high school students, and college faculty and 

students to obtain research experience or exposure to current scientific concepts through 

the NIH. The ORWH also develops and supports a number of programs for the 

advancement of girls and women in science through collaboration with the NIH Office of 

Science Education, including a video series featuring minority women surgeons, 

researchers, and pathologists and an on-line curriculum designed to spark interest in 

biomedical sciences among middle-school and high-school students. 

ORWH/Foundation for the Advanced Education in Sciences (FAES)/NIH High School 

Student Summer Program. This summer the program had 24 new high school students 

and 17 returning students. There were 26 women and 15 men, including 11 minorities (2 

African-American women, 1 Hispanic woman and 1 Hispanic man), coming from both 

public and private schools in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia to spend 

time at the NIH in intramural labs. 

The Office of Loan Repayment and Scholarships (OLRS). The Office of Intramural 

Research (OIR) is responsible for the development and management of the 

Undergraduate Scholarship Program for Individuals from Disadvantaged Backgrounds 

(UGSP). The UGSP provides scholarships to undergraduate students who have been 

competitively selected from a nation-wide pool of candidates. An average of 15 

scholarships are awarded each year. 

The objective of the Health Disparities Research Loan Repayment program (HDR-LRP)

Program is the recruitment and retention of highly qualified health professionals to 

research careers that focus on minority health or other health disparities issues. The 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

program provides for the repayment of educational loan debt of qualified health 

professionals who agree to conduct minority health or health disparities research for two 

years. The program provides for the repayment of the principal and interest of the 

educational loans, up to a maximum of $35,000 per year.

2.1.1.3 Outcome Measures

Increase in the number of career development awards and fellowships to minority women 

students at the graduate level. 

Increase in the number of women and minority middle and high school students 

considering future biomedical careers. 

Increase in the number of women and minority investigators who are successful 

applicants for NIH funding 

2.1.2 Objective Two: Support Career Development and Research Training 

Through Mentoring 

Continue to support and facilitate mentoring of women and minority scientists. 

2.1.2.1 Action Plan 

Continue to work with professional societies, groups and associations in defining, 

generating, and publicizing successful models of mentoring. 

Continue to provide special training, rewards and recognition for mentors of special 

populations of women scientists. 

Continue to provide opportunities for women and minorities to participate in scientific 

conferences and the peer review process. 

2.1.2.2 Performance Measures 

Increase in the number of professional societies, groups and associations with which the 

ORWH works to develop mentoring models. 

Increase in requests for information on mentor training programs. 

Increase in the number of women and minorities requesting information on participation 

in scientific conferences and the peer review process. 

2.1.2.3 Outcome Measures 

Increased understanding of minority and women investigators about how to navigate the 

channels for academic advancement. 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

Increased availability of minority and women investigator models and their 

understanding of the role of being mentors. 

Greater recognition of the potential scientific contributions of minorities and women 

investigators and appreciation of their value in the scientific arena. 

2.1.3 Objective Three: Institutional Encouragement and Support of Career 

Advancement

Encourage institutions to develop programs and mechanisms that allow women and 

minority scientists to advance in their careers without sacrificing family and community 

responsibilities. 

2.1.3.1 Action Plan 

Collaborate with independent and government institutions to develop programs that 

address the participation and advancement of women, especially women of racial and 

ethnic minority groups, in biomedical careers. 

Facilitate programs sponsored and/or cosponsored by the ORWH that enable special 

populations of women scientists to meet family, work, and community responsibilities 

while pursuing biomedical career interests. 

Provide opportunities for reentry of women and minority scientists into biomedical 

careers and career redirection. 

2.1.3.2 Performance Measures 

Increase in the number of institutions with which the ORWH collaborates to develop 

programs for the participation and advancement of women in biomedical careers, 

especially for women of racial and ethnic minority populations. 

Increase in the number of women and minority scientists participating on study sections 

and advisory boards of independent institutions. 

2.1.3.3 Outcome Measures 

Increase in the number of institutions that have implemented programs to encourage the 

career development of women of special populations in biomedical careers. 

More diverse representation of women and minorities participating on institutional study 

sections, advisory boards, and the peer review process 

2.1.4 Objective Four: Professional Society, Group, and Organization Support of 

Career Advancement 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

Encourage professional societies, groups and organizations to develop programs, models, 

and other mechanisms to foster the advancement of women and minorities in biomedical 

research. 

2.1.4.1 Action Plan 

Continue to expand AXXS (Achieving Xxcellence in Science) efforts. 

Expand collaboration and partnerships with underserved community organizations and 

scientific/professional societies, especially those focused on special populations of female 

scientists at all levels of the career pipeline. 

Support workshops and opportunities to stimulate appropriate professional societies to 

develop management and leadership training programs. 

Facilitate ways for professional societies, groups, and organizations to formalize 

networking opportunities for special populations of women scientists. 

Improve mechanisms for disseminating information to professional societies, groups, and 

organizations on new and existing funding support for grants and training programs. 

2.1.4.2 Performance Measures 

Increase in the number of requests for information on AXXS programs. 

Increase in the number of professional societies, groups, and organizations with which 

the ORWH collaborates to develop programs, models, and other mechanisms to foster the 

career development of women and minority scientists. 

Increase in the number of requests for information on career development programs cosponsored and sponsored by the ORWH. 

2.1.4.3 Outcome Measures 

Increase in the number of participants in the AXXS program. 

Greater opportunities for women and minorities interested in pursuing biomedical careers 

through collaboration with the NIH/ORWH and professional societies, groups, and 

organizations. 

2.1.5 Objective Five: Build Community Awareness of Women and Minority 

Scientists 

Foster appreciation in the community for the contributions and needs of women and 

minorities in science. 

2.1.5.1 Action Plan 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

Support programs that encourage diversity and heightened cultural sensitivity in all facets 

of the academic and medical environment. 

Celebrate the uniqueness and promote the acceptance of special populations of women 

scientists in all areas of the scientific community. 

2.1.5.2 Performance Measures 

Increase in requests for materials or information recognizing the contributions and needs 

of women and minorities in science. 

2.1.5.3 Outcome Measures 

Greater understanding of the contributions and needs of women and minorities in science. 

2.2 Area of Emphasis Two: Interdisciplinary Research 

2.2.1 Objective One: Sponsor Programs that Support Interdisciplinary Research 

on Women’s Health

ORWH has developed, implemented and funded new and innovative interdisciplinary 

research centers and interdisciplinary research training programs. These programs benefit 

both women’s and men’s health through sex and gender research, interdisciplinary 

scientific collaboration, and support for young investigators in a mentored environment to 

become independent investigators doing research in women’s health. 

2.2.1.1 Action Plan

Continue implementation of the BIRCWH and SCOR. 

 

Expand the knowledge base of women’s health research related to sex and gender factors 

using an interdisciplinary approach 

Encourage an interdisciplinary approach to research on the role of sex and gender related 

health effects. 

2.2.1.2 Performance Measures 

Increased attention to the BIRCWH and SCOR programs and the expansion of these or 

the development of similar programs. 

Increase in the number of women and minorities receiving K and other NIH Awards. 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

2.2.1.3 Outcome Measures

Greater knowledge of women’s health derived from interdisciplinary research on sex and 

gender differences. 

Increased number of young investigators who pursue interdisciplinary biomedical 

research careers in women’s health. 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

3.0 AREAS OF EMPHASIS IN COMMUNITY OUTREACH, 

INFORMATION DISSEMINATION, AND PUBLIC HEALTH 

EDUCATION

3.1 Area of Emphasis One: Outreach, Information Dissemination, 

and Public Health Education Targeted at the Community

3.1.1 Objective One: Expand the Knowledge Base for Women of Special 

Populations about Health Disparities 

Communicate to women the influence of sex, gender, race/ethnicity, and economic 

circumstance on health and health outcomes and successful methods to reduce disparities. 

3.1.1.1 Action Plan

Continue to broaden contacts with community- and faith-based organizations with an 

interest in women’s health and the health of special populations. 

Continue to develop educational materials targeted at specific special populations of 

women that address health issues specific to their communities. 

Collaborate with community-based advocacy groups and organizations and local and 

state women’s and minority health offices to facilitate the distribution of educational 

materials developed by the ORWH, including brochures, handouts, posters, videos, and 

broadcast announcements, at community events such as health-related fairs, workshops, 

and conferences. 

Continue to participate in community health events to expand public awareness of

women’s health research. 

Continue to develop and present workshops, meetings, and symposia to educate 

advocates in issues related to and methods of reducing health disparities of special 

populations of women. 

Encourage the participation of special populations of women in clinical research by 

increasing their knowledge and trust of the clinical research arena and building awareness 

of the importance of their inclusion in clinical trials. 

 

3.1.1.2 Performance Measures 

Increased size of the network of advocates for special populations of women with which 

the ORWH collaborates.

Increased volume and diversity of ORWH-published educational materials targeting 

special populations of women. 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

Increased volume and diversity of educational materials sent to community-based 

advocacy groups and organizations and state and local women’s and minority health

offices to promote understanding of the health concerns of special populations of women. 

Greater participation in community events, such as health fairs, at which the ORWH

distributes materials specifically targeted to special populations of women. 

Increased number of women of special populations attending ORWH sponsored and cosponsored events. 

Increased number of workshops, meetings, and conferences, facilitated by the ORWH, 

that address differences in health among special populations. 

Greater attendance of ORWH-facilitated workshops, meetings, and conferences by 

women of special populations. 

Increased total number and percentage of women of special populations participating in 

clinical research, especially in clinical research that targets their specific populations. 

3.1.1.3 Outcome Measures

Increased interest among the advocacy community in collaborating with the ORWH to 

develop and distribute new and innovative educational materials addressing health issues 

for special populations of women. 

More requests to the ORWH to disseminate information on women’s and minority health 

at community events and workshops, meetings, and symposia. 

Greater awareness of health disparities within special populations of women 

More clinical data specific to special populations of women that help address and 

eliminate health disparities. 

3.2 Area of Emphasis Two: Outreach, Information Dissemination, 

and Public Health Education Targeted at the Health Professionals 

3.2.1 Objective One: Expand the Knowledge of Health Disparities of Special 

Populations of Women among Health Professionals 

Facilitate the continuing education of health professionals about the magnitude of health 

disparities faced by special populations of women and successful interventions that can 

reduce health disparities among special populations of women. 

3.2.1.1 Action Plan

Expand the pipeline of information on clinical studies of special populations of women. 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

Encourage the participation of professional societies in disseminating information on 

health disparities of special populations of women to health professionals. 

Encourage health professionals to target their health interventions to special populations 

of women. 

Encourage health professionals to use their experience with patients to assist with the 

development of new health professional-administered interventions targeted at special 

populations of women.. 

 

3.2.1.2 Performance Measures 

Increased number of requests by health professionals for information on health concerns 

of diverse populations of women. 

Increased number of professional societies with which the ORWH collaborates to 

disseminate to health professionals educational materials on health disparities faced by

special populations of women. 

3.2.1.3 Outcome Measures

Increased interest among individual health professionals in clinical research addressing 

the health disparities of special populations of women. 

Increased interest within and among professional societies in addressing health disparities 

of special populations of women. 

Increased requests for information by health professionals on research on special 

populations of women. 

Implementation of effective health professional-based interventions to reduce health 

disparities faced by special populations of women. 

More optimal treatment based on knowledge gained from clinical research on special

populations of women. 

3.3 Area of Emphasis Three: Outreach, Information Dissemination, 

and Public Health Education Targeted at the Research 

Community 

3.3.1 Objective One: Increase Interest in Health Disparity Research Related to 

Special Populations of Women 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

Encourage research on ways to reduce health disparities faced by special populations of 

women 

3.3.1.1 Action Plan

Encourage increased research on the extent and magnitude of health disparities faced by 

special populations of women and approaches to reducing these disparities. 

Continue to provide educational arenas, such as the Women’s Health Special Interest

Group and the Women’s Health Seminar Series, to inform the research community and 

public of current research addressing health issues of special populations of women. 

 

3.3.1.2 Performance Measures

Increased number of collaborations to research health disparities confronting special 

populations of women. 

Increased amount of research on health disparities that affect special populations of 

women. 

Increased number of applications for leveraged funds to develop health professionaladministered interventions targeted at special populations of women. 

Increased number of applications for leveraged funds to study health disparities of special 

populations of women. 

Increased emphasis on special populations of women in presentations of the Women’s 

Health Seminar Series and the Women’s Health Special Interest Group and increased 

attendance and participation by women of special populations. 

3.3.1.3 Outcome Measures

Larger pool of information on the effects and methods of reducing health disparities 

faced by special populations of women. 

Increased interest in developing future studies to examine health disparities faced by 

special populations of women. 

3.3.2 Objective Two: Encourage Publication of Clinical Research Results on 

Special Populations of Women

Encourage the publication and distribution of the research results involving special

population of women, related to the role of gender, race/ethnicity, culture, and economic 

circumstance in the health and health outcomes of women.

3.3.2.1 Action Plan 

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NIH Health Disparities Strategic Plan, Fiscal Years 2004-2008 

Continue to work with journal editors to encourage them to publish research results and 

analyses that report the difference or lack thereof in health and health outcomes among 

special populations of women. 

Encourage researchers to report experiences, successful and unsuccessful, in working 

with special populations of women. 

Encourage researchers to report data by sex and race/ethnicity.

3.3.2.2 Performance Measures 

Revised editorial policies of peer-reviewed journals that require publication of research 

results from analysis of sex and race/ethnicity. 

Increased number of publications reporting on differences of health and health outcomes 

among special populations of women.

3.3.2.3 Outcome Measures 

More accurate data on health and health outcomes specific to special populations of 

women. 

Decrease in the dearth of information on health disparities among special populations of 

women. 

 

1

 US Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health. 

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