The NHLBI Ad Hoc Committee on Minority Populations
was established in 1975 to facilitate communication between minority
communities and the National High Blood Pressure Education Program. Its role
has since expanded as the Institute developed new education and prevention
programs. The current Committee is composed of 16 multiethnic,
multidisciplinary health professionals from diverse cultural backgrounds with
broad-based expertise in a variety of areas. Representing African Americans,
Hispanics, American Indians and Alaska Natives, and Asian Americans and Pacific
Islanders, the Committee provides direct input on NHLBI minority initiatives,
and four members of the Committee also serve as liaison representatives to each
of the national education programs' coordinating committees. The Committee has
been instrumental in the development and implementation of NHLBI forums and
workshops on minority health as well as community-based efforts designed to
improve the health status of minorities nationwide.
