UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center

Gaps in health outcomes exist between the general population and groups of people who experience systematic obstacles to health based on their race or ethnicity, socioeconomic status, geographic location, or other characteristics linked to exclusion. Nowhere are such health gaps more evident than in the South, home to some of America’s most underserved communities. These communities lack resources as basic as a clean environment, access to grocery stores, and safe streets. Their residents are exposed to multiple daily stressors and bear the burden of many chronic diseases. Strategically located in the heart of the region, the UAB Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center provides a critical connection between investigators and vulnerable populations. Our research and training programs enable young scientists to pursue research on health disparities, while our community outreach program identifies urgent health questions and needs and implements evidence-based strategies to reduce health disparities and promote health equity. The highlight of our work are the millions of underserved minority men, women, and children whose lives are impacted through our efforts.