From Our Research Director:
“Research is the foundation of our mission to end health disparities and advance equity in communities nationwide. I invite you to explore our work and see how you can contribute to this mission.”
Research Committees
NAEHD has established a dedicated research committee for each strategic priority, supporting our mission through focused inquiry and collaborative insight.
Participation is reserved for dues-paying members at the Associate level or higher.
If you’re interested in joining, email: research@naehd.org
Our Strategic Priorities
Driving Change in Five Key Areas
Identifying Barriers & Improving Access
Our aim is to dismantle barriers to health equity and expand access to high-quality care. We strive to ensure everyone receives the support needed to live a healthy life.
Improving Maternal Health Outcomes
Black women face maternal mortality rates nearly three times higher than white women. We aim to bridge this gap through targeted, equity-driven strategies and advocacy.
Focusing on Chronic Disease, Rare Disease, & Preventive Care
NAEHD aims to eliminate health disparities in chronic and rare disease care by advancing research, expanding education, and increasing access to effective treatment.
Expanding Counseling & Mental Health Services
NAEHD aims to expand access to mental health services while reducing stigmas and providing free resources to impacted communities.
Assisting the Under & Uninsured
NAEHD vows to support the underinsured and uninsured by helping individuals access affordable care, coverage options, and essential health services in their communities.
Check out our research & publications
Research Spotlight: Evidence Driving Equity
NEW! (December 2025)
UCSF Health Equity & Anti‑Racism Symposium (Oct 2025): Cross‑Disciplinary Research on Structural Racism — Scholars presented new findings on Latinx health disparities, tobacco control, and systemic racism in clinical settings, underscoring the need for community‑engaged equity science.
Read more here: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-health-equity/2025/playing-the-long-game-to-advance-health-equity
Kaiser Family Foundation (Nov 2025): Immigrant Health Coverage Gaps — Research showed restrictive policies and fear around immigration status are worsening disparities, with 1.4 million lawfully present immigrants projected to lose coverage under the 2025 tax and budget law.
Read more here: https://www.kff.org/immigrant-health/1-4-million-lawfully-present-immigrants-are-expected-to-lose-health-coverage-due-to-the-2025-tax-and-budget-law/
Johns Hopkins Center for Health Equity (Dec 2025): Playing the Long Game in Equity — Dr. Lisa Cooper emphasized resilience and interdisciplinary partnerships as essential to advancing health equity, highlighting strategies for durable, systemic change.
Read more here: https://publichealth.jhu.edu/center-for-health-equity/2025/playing-the-long-game-to-advance-health-equity
(November 2025)
National Academy of Medicine — Broadening the Lens on Health Disparities (Sept 15, 2025): This landmark report expands the definition of who experiences health disparities. It finds that nearly half of the U.S. population is affected — including rural residents, people with disabilities, and those living in poverty, not just racial and ethnic minorities.
Read the NAM Report here: https://nam.edu/perspectives/a-call-for-broadening-the-lens-on-health-disparities
National Partnership for Women & Families — Transforming Maternal Health in Medicaid Playbook (Apr 2025): Maternal health disparities remain urgent: Black and Brown women face mortality rates nearly three times higher than white women. With Medicaid covering 40% of births, this playbook offers actionable strategies for states to improve maternal outcomes.
Download the playbook here: https://nationalpartnership.org/report/transforming-maternal-health-in-medicaid/
American Hospital Association — Equity Initiatives Hub (Aug 7, 2025): The AHA launched a new hub with tools and frameworks for hospitals to reduce disparities in their communities. Resources include case studies, equity dashboards, and implementation guides for health systems.
Visit the Equity Hub here: https://www.aha.org/reducing-disparities-health-outcomes