About Us

The Program in Health Disparities Research, headed by Dr. Kolawole Okuyemi, is housed within the University of Minnesota Medical School.

Vision:
A trans-disciplinary team developing, implementing, and evaluating cutting-edge solutions to eliminate health inequities through collaborative research, innovative education, and trusted community partnership in Minnesota and beyond.

Mission:
The Program in Health Disparities Research is dedicated to eliminating health inequities.

Objectives:

1. Create a supportive academic home for outstanding health disparities researchers.
2. Engage communities in initiatives aimed at reducing health inequities.
3. Build interdisciplinary collaborations within the University of Minnesota and beyond to advance the understanding and elimination of health inequities.
4. Conduct cutting-edge, extramurally-funded research that focuses on the independent and combined effects of biological, behavioral, social, community, and policy determinants of health disparities.
5. Develop the next generation of health disparity researchers through high-quality mentoring and training.
6. Support and expand diverse academic and community educational programs focusing on health inequities.
7. Promote an organizational emphasis on meaningful research with potential for high community impact.

The Program in Health Disparities Research is driven to improve health for all through research, education and community engagement. We are dedicated to:

• Innovative solutions
• Investment in authentic partnerships
• Making a meaningful impact

We also understand that improving health for all is a true team effort. Therefore, we are committed to conducting cutting-edge research in partnership with our local communities.