Department of Health and Human Services
Office of the Secretary
Assistant Secretary for Health
Office of Public Health and Science
Washington, D.C. 20201

JUN 14 2007

Dear Meeting Participant:

I an effort to hasten progress in eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities, the Feredal Collaborative on Health Disparities Research (FCHDR) was developed to engage a wide range of federal representatives to identify research priorities for cross-agency research collaboration. From this initial effort, federal partners continuento work together to explore need and opportunities for pooling scientific expertise and resources to conduct, translate, and disseminate evidence-based research. The FCHDR will initially focus on four specific topic areas.

• systems-wide approach to obesity in vulnerable and disparate populations;
• quality indicators for people with multiple co-morbidities;
• culturally appropriate access to mental health care; and
• research into the built environment and vulnerable populations.

A fundamental challenge in eliminating health disparities is understanding the nature and extent of the disparities and their underlying causes, interrelationships, impacts on all racial and ethnic groups, and interventions needed to minimize desease, disability, and premature death. The FCHDR recognizes these challenges and utilizes a "systems-thinking" approach that will impact upon a variety of health issue areas.

I thank you for your commitment to the FCHDR and look forward to the important recommendations generated from today's discussions. Your efforts in helping to establish this coordinated effort will ultimately lead to greater improvements in the health of populations disproportionately affected by disease and disability.

Sincerely yours,

John O. Agwunobi
Assistant Secretary for Health

U.S. Public Health Service