Office of Research Training and Minority Health (ORTMH)

MISSION

Office of Research Training and Minority Health (ORTMH) was established by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) effective July 1, 2002. The overall mission of the OMHA is to improve the health of racial and ethnic populations for diseases of the heart, lungs, and blood as well as sleep disorders by fostering greater participation by under-represented racial and ethnic minorities in research and Research Training programs of concern to the NHLBI. Our office works closely with all other NHLBI Divisions and Officesas well as other NIH organizations to accomplish our mission.

ORTMH FUNCTIONS/AREAS OF CONCERN

The ORTMH will have the responsibility for oversight, coordination, support and evaluation of Institute programs related to minority health outcomes, including research, research training and career development, public outreach, and translation of research findings. Major functions of the OMHA are as follows:

Serves as the NHLBI focal point for advice and guidance on matters pertaining to minority health and minority participation in research, including identifying cross-cutting issues, scientific gaps and needs as well as opportunities to address them.

Develops and implements an NHLBI-wide strategic plan to improve research on minority populations on diseases and conditions that affect minorities disproportionately.

Promotes and coordinates targeted programs including efficient utilization of existing mechanisms and data resources to address training, manpower, and research priorities, such as the inclusion of minorities in research studies.

Coordinates scientific investigations with needs for training and promotes optimal transition along NHLBI research training continuum.

Establishes, strengthens, and mobilizes partnerships for outreach to improve minority enrollment in clinical studies.

Fosters culturally appropriate educational and translational models to inform the general public and practice communities of research findings.

Promotes effective dialogue between researchers and the minority community by establishing a variety of networks, including professional, community, federal, peer, and mentoring, that are important in communicating with various population groups.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For further information contact:

NHLBI, Office of Research Training and Minority Health
Rockledge Centre II
6701 Rockledge, Suite 8093
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-7913
Main Phone : (301) 451-5081
Fax : (301) 480-0862
Mail Stop Code: 7913

Staff phone numbers and e-mail info is available in the
Abbreviated Staff Directory