Minority Health

May 20, 2011

Dear Colleagues:
I welcome this opportunity to share with you the launch of a new initiative at the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA’s Office of Minority Health (OMH) and the Office of Special Medical Programs, Advisory Committee Oversight and Management are collaborating on an initiative entitled Enhancing Diversity on FDA Advisory Committees. The Initiative’s goal is to broaden the search for qualified advisory committee candidates with experience with underserved communities.

Advisory committees are essential in supporting the FDA's mission of protecting and promoting the public health by obtaining independent expert advice on scientific, technical, and policy matters. Promoting FDA’s leadership in addressing health disparities and assuring diverse perspectives on advisory committees is integral to achieving the agency’s public health mission. Through this initiative, FDA will be better able to address persistent gaps in the health status of underserved populations in the United States.

OMH is supporting the Enhancing Diversity initiative by recruiting potential candidates who have scientific expertise and experience in working with vulnerable populations. A wide range of health professionals are needed, from social scientists and epidemiologists to nurses and physicians.

As a health professional group, OMH is eager to educate your membership about this new endeavor. Visit our website for more information on these advisory committee opportunities: http://www.fda.gov/MinorityHealth

If you have any questions, please contact us at OMH@fda.hhs.gov.

Thank you for your support in FDA’s efforts in the fight to eliminate health disparities in the United States.

Sincerely,
Michelle Yeboah, DrPH
Director (Acting), Office of Minority Health
US Food and Drug Administration


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Minority Health