N|_H Health Research
wuth and for Hispanics

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AND HUMAN SERVICES

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,NIH Health Research

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NIH Report from the
NlH-ADAMHA Forum
Commemorating the
Hispanic Heritage
Week of 1978

Special Programs Office
Office of Extramural
Research and Training
Office of the Director, NIH

; NIH PublicatierrNe‘80-503 3
August 1980

U.S.DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
AND HUMAN SERVICES
, Public Health Service
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TABLE OF CONTENTS ‘

”P u B L
WORKSHOP COMMITTEE ......................... iv
INTRODUCTION ........................... 1
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................. 2
ISSUES ...................... . ........ 5
NIH POSITION .......................... 12
DISCUSSION ............................ 17
CONTRIBUTORS .......................... 23
APPENDIX ............................. 28

212.840

ADAMHA

Mark A. Quinones, Ph.D.
Moderator

Esteban L. Olmedo, Ph.D.
consultant

William Pollin, M.D.
Speaker

Estelle 0. Brown
Recorder

WORKSHOP COMMITTEE

Zora J. Griffo, Ph.D.

Chairman

iv

NIH

Ciriaco Gonzales, Ph.D.
Moderator

Luis G. Navar, Ph.D.
consultant

Thomas E. Malone, Ph.D.
Speaker

Armando Sandoval
Recorder

INTRODUCTION

In 1978, the Hispanic Heritage Week commemorated by the Public Health
Service (PHS) included, for the first time since its inception, a critical
examination of health issues which are particularly relevant to
Hispanic-Americans.

Under the overall theme Hispanic Mosaic, all PHS agencies joined with
Hispanics to hear about the most critical health issues perceived by
Hispanics; examine these issues in the light of an agency's current or
contemplated programs; and jointly develop suggestions and recommendations
for the future.

As part of these activities, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and
the Alcohol, Drug Abuse, and Mental Health Administration (ADAMHA) held
a joint workshop, Health Research with and for Hispanics, on the NIH
campus, September 7, 1978.

Prior to the workshop, Institutes and Divisions of NIH assembled information
about research projects or other activities that focus on Hispanics.

Over 40 Institute officials and staff served as workshop resource personnel.
Other participants were members of the workshop committee, members of

the Hispanic community, and interested guests.

The following report represents the NIH portion of the workshop. It
summarizes an initial exploration of the health concerns of Hispanics
and, as such, addresses the broadest possible range of issues. The
information presented in the report is intended to serve as the basis
for other, more detailed deliberations in this important area of concern.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The following summarizes conclusions and recommendations from NIH's
portion of the workshop. It includes points raised by Dr. Navar and

Dr. Malone, and those which evolved during the discussion. They are not
listed in priority order.

NEED FOR DISTINGUISHING SUBGROUPS

Hispanics do not fall into one category. Measures directed at increasing
the participation of Hispanics in biomedical sciences must address the
specific problems of Hispanic-American subgroups, e.g., Chicanos, Puerto
Ricans, and Cubans.

NEED FOR BETTER STATISTICS

Statistics about Hispanic scientists are inflated by the inclusion of
those foreign-born and trained. Measures directed at assessing the
underrepresentation of Hispanics in biomedical sciences must distinguish
'between native- and foreign-born Hispanic scientists.

NEED FOR ROLE MODELS

Hispanic-Americans are restrained by disadvantages associated with \
economic hardships and an unchallenging environment. Students must be
reached early, if they are to be motivated toward science careers. The
following measures would improve the current situation.

0 Direct special efforts at science teachers and counselors to
increase their effectiveness in motivating and preparing
students.

0 Provide special support for visiting Hispanic scientists in

high schools to increase their visibility and highlight biomedical
science as a career option for Hispanics.

0 Promote special lecture programs by visiting Hispanic scientists
at colleges and universities in areas with large Hispanic
populations.

0 Direct special efforts to hire and promote more Hispanics to

scientific and administrative positions at colleges and universities
in areas with large Hispanic populations.

0 Devote special efforts to hire and promote Hispanics to scientific
and/or administrative positions at NIH and other Federal
agencies.

0 Direct special efforts to appoint more Hispanics to advisory

groups and committees at NIH and other Federal agencies.
NEED FOR MORE HISPANIC SCIENTISTS

In the United States today there is only a handful of American-born and
trained Hispanic scientists. A concerted effort must be made to draw

IQ

more Hispanic—Americans into biomedical science and to retain for them
the full range of options for training and further professional development.

NEED FOR SPECIAL MINORITY PROGRAMS

The existing NIH minority programs, Minority Biomedical Support/Division

of Research Resources and Minority Access to Research Careers/National
Institute of General Medical Sciences, including the cooperative programs
with other NIH Institutes, have become successful in preparing large

numbers of undergraduates for doctoral training in biomedical sciences.
These programs require continuing and unflagging support for the foreseeable
future.

In addition, special programs should be initiated in disease areas
important to Hispanics. The Minority Hypertension Research Development
Summer Program developed by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
(NHLBI) is an excellent model.

NEED FOR OTHER PROGRAMS AND SUPPORT ACTIVITIES

Special programs are only partial and temporary measures to remedy
existing inequities. Full participation of Hispanic-Americans in the
biomedical arena will come only when they have become equal participants
in and contributors to the mainstream activities of NIH. The following
measures would improve the current situation.

0 Take positive action to ensure that existing NIH training
programs continue to offer HispanicfiAmericans a broad range of
pre- and postdoctoral training opportunities in biomedical and
behavioral sciences.

0 Consider special efforts to aid Hispanics with entry or
reentry into mainstream program activities. Examples of such
efforts are part—time training, retraining and other methods
for reentry into scientific careers, as well as uniform and
more broadly available support mechanisms for the beginning
investigator.

NEED FOR MORE INFORMATION

Hispanics are handicapped by not receiving sufficient information about
the programs, program support mechanisms, and policies and procedures of
the NIH. A concerted effort is needed to make information broadly
available and also to publicize the availability of such information.

NEED FOR GREATER PARTICIPATION IN DECISION—MAKING
Hispanics are conspicuous by their absence from the decision—making

processes in Federal agencies. The following measures would increase
such participation.

L'J

o Appoint more Hispanics to NIH and other advisory groups and
committees.

0 Hire and advance Hispanics in scientific and administrative
positions at NIH and other agencies.

NEED FOR RESEARCH ON HISPANICS

There is little information about any diseases or conditions that may
have a special impact on Hispanic-Americans. However, it is generally
known that hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and various
nutritional deficiencies are prevalent among Hispanic-Americans.
Attention to the following issues would provide additional necessary
knowledge. ‘

o Differentiate among specific subgroups of Hispanic-Americans
for more refined research results.

0 Make existing research centers more freely available to
Hispanics. When scientific protocols permit, include Hispanics
in studies conducted by such centers.

0 In areas of large identifiable Hispanic-American populations
establish new research centers and include Hispanic-American
participants in the conducted studies.

NEED FOR PREVENTION

Due to unfavorable socioeconomic conditions experienced by a large
segment of the Hispanic—American population, there is a great need to
improve prevention activities among Hispanic-Americans. Consideration
of specific measures, however, may be premature due to insufficient
knowledge about the diseases and conditions affecting Hispanic—Americans.

NEED FOR PROSELYTIZING RESEARCH ON AND TO HISPANICS
When research in unique settings is conducted on Hispanics, as for

linstance in Central and South America, a special effort should be made
to convey this information to Hispanic-Americans.

ISSUES

Dr. L. Gabriel Navar, Professor of Physiology and Biophysics, University
of Alabama, Birmingham, was asked by NIH to identify problems and

suggest solutions to crucial issues for a more fruitful interaction
between the Hispanic community and NIH. In addition to drawing upon
past experiences, Dr. Navar consulted with other knowledgeable Hispanics
and non—Hispanics in the scientific community. He was also given current
information concerning NIH program efforts directed at Hispanics, which
was developed by the various NIH Institutes and Divisions for this
workshop. The following is Dr. Navar's presentation.

Concerned members of our national health science team: I am certainly
pleased to be here, and to address the very important issues before this
workshop. Hopefully, some of the discussion today will have an impact
on future activities and programs of the National Institutes of Health.
As I understand, we are to attempt to specify concerns and delineate
possible mechanisms by which NIH can:

1. Increase the participation of Hispanics in health related biomedical
research and

2. Increase the benefits derived by Hispanics from the activities
of the National Institutes of Health.

To be sure, issues of this nature are subject to very emotional reactions.
Thus, it is very difficult to decide the best manner by which a meaningful
dialogue on these topics can be approached. Because of a general lack

of understanding, I believe it might be best to discuss the basic rationale
for these objectives, and then see if definite activities could be
undertaken by various components within NIH.

First, I should introduce myself more thoroughly, for I realize that

most of you do not know me. Some may be asking why I, a faculty member

of the University of Alabama, am presenting these issues before you.

What should I know about these issues? Perhaps you may question why I

am not in a position where I could have greater impact, if I am so
concerned about the plight of Hispanics in biomedical research.

However, my pattern of development may be somewhat typical of most
Hispanic—Americans whom you will currently find in health related sciences.
It might be worthwhile, therefore, to review the circuitous and indirect
path that finally led to my career and present position.

In my earlier years, I had little contact with anything related to

science or medicine. I cannot remember a relative or family friend
involved in any scientific endeavor--engineering, education, medicine,
law, or politics. In El Paso, Texas, we knew nothing about health related
research or policies. To us, Washington, D.C., was just a far and

distant place where many people whom we would neither know nor influence
made the laws by which we had to live. Because of my father's involvement
in farming, I too was interested in agriculture. For some reason however,

I enjoyed my science and math courses in high school. While I planned

to go to college, I intended to study agriculture or a discipline associated
with the agricultural industry. However, on my father's advice, I decided to
enter veterinary school--maintaining my association with the agriculture
industry and still allowing me to pursue my scientific interests in more
depth. After 2 years of veterinary school, I preferred the rigorous
biomedical courses like physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, and
neuroanatomy. I then finally decided to pursue a career in scientific
research. Because physiology was my favorite, I investigated graduate
programs associated with it. After searching, I decided to study under

Dr. Guyton at the University of Mississippi in Jackson. Over the years

I developed my interests in renal physiology and the unique role of the
kidney in the regulation of body fluid volumes.

My background may actually not be typical of an average Mexican-American
from the southwestern United States. In all likelihood, if my background
had been more typical——having absolutely no role model, or an element of
personal hardship, or serious economic disadvantage--I may not have been
here today to discuss these problems with you. I have summarized my
background to emphasize that even under relatively favorable conditions
the probability is very low that Chicano or other Hispanic—American
students will become interested in science. When an interest is shown,
the route to a career in biomedical research (so far removed from anything
to which they are ever exposed) is often very indirect. Consequently,
the attrition rate can be very high.

Thus, it seems to me, that in attempting to increase the participation

in scientific research of individuals from underrepresented minority
groups, we must recognize that several types of problems exist. These

are philosophical, economic, environmentally related, and those associated
with the absence of role models.

PhilosophiCal problems quite often engender a great deal of controversy
and emotion. This is especially true among many scientists who rationalize
their rather myopic view by saying that good science is good science no
matter who does it, and that it should be supported strictly on the

basis of how good that science is judged to be. We fully recognize that
many of our colleagues are seriously disturbed that agencies such as the
National Institutes of Health should "deteriorate or corrupt" their
programs by using other than the criterion of excellence in science. My
answer is: As long as there are major endeavors of great national
significance excluding a substantial element or portion of our population,
regardless of the reason, we are doing an injustice not only to those
people, but collectively to ourselves. In other words, when a group of
people categorizes as "THEY" the group with power, money and influence,
and which represents the law and administration, we can expect resentment,
animosity and misunderstanding. This "US" versus "THEY" concept is

often neglected and, in my opinion, very important.

The second problem I mentioned is related to disadvantages associated
with economic hardships and living in an unstimulating environment.
These problems are discussed most often, are most overt, and probably

apply in a most uniform and direct manner to a very high percentage of
various minority groups including Hispanic-Americans. Even in this land
where presumably anyone can become president, persons raised in areas of
substantial deprivation have a negligible probability of overcoming
their environment and entering such fields as science and biomedical
research. I believe this is probably the single major reason why such a
small initial number of interested Hispanic-American college students is
willing to consider careers in health sciences and health professions.

The third critical issue I want to address is the all-important problem
of role models. Hispanic people find the situation much more difficult
than Black people. Many colleges and universities are dedicated to the
education of Blacks, have a high population of Blacks, and most important,
are run by Black administrators. The Black student sees that faculty
members, the president, and members of the board are also Black. On the
other hand, Puerto Ricans in New York or Chicanos in Dallas find a large
number of students to associate with, but there is only an occasional
faculty member, and certainly only a very rare science faculty member.
Without role models, it is very difficult to convince young people to
enter various fields of endeavor.

There is only a handful of native-born Hispanic-American scientists
scattered throughout the United States. I should emphasize that quite
often Hispanic-American scientists are not in their institutions of

choice. We, just as our colleagues, have to take positions where the

best opportunities are offered for our own scientific and professional
development. However, there is a feeling among our group that
Hispanic-American scientists are not aggressively recruited by institutions
where they could have the greatest influence. Many of us have felt that
certain subtle influences are often exerted making it somewhat more--not
less—-difficult for Hispanic-American scientists to join the faculty of
prestigious institutions in areas where there are significant numbers of
Hispanic—Americans. Whether or not this is actually true remains to be
determined. If so, it indicates a serious problem that should be corrected.
To be sure, I am not suggesting that Chicano scientists should work only

at institutions with many Chicano students. However, it seems that such
institutions should be eager to employ these individuals, and should at
least extend the opportunity. My bias at present is that most institutions
with a high enrollment of Hispanic—American students, or which are in
areas with a substantial Hispanic population, are not making any noticeable
effort to increase the number of Hispanic faculty members. Furthermore,

I feel that this is particularly true in health related professions.
Unfortunately, those few individuals hired often find themselves handling
the activities of the office of minority student affairs. Although an
important task, Hispanic-American science personnel want to be included

in the mainstream activities of their institutions.

Hispanic—Americans have a unique problem because they remain geographically
separated. In addition, they are divided into many different subcategories.
Therefore, their numbers become so diluted that any potential influence

by Hispanic-Americans is insignificant. How can we really expect Chicanos
in the Southwest, with Mexico just across the Rio Grande, to understand

the problems of Puerto Ricans in New York, or of Cubans in Florida?
Furthermore, how can you explain to a scientist of South American culture,
who immigrated to the United States as an adult, the problems of growing
up in an environment that continually reminds you and often ridicules

you because of your heritage? The inclusion into statistics of such
Spanish—surnamed scientists simply covers up the fact that the educational
system in America produces a mere handful of Hispanic—American scientists.
We bring them from other countries, but we do not produce them. Thus,

we must recognize that Hispanics do not fall into one neat category.
Approaches must be developed to deal with this diversity.

Special efforts must be made to inform Hispanic communities of the many
opportunities available for careers in health sciences and to assure

them that their contributions are desired, needed and, in fact, expected.
As I see it, our duty and responsibility are to increase the participation
of minority elements in the mainstream of scientific activities.

We must continue to emphasize this point, and hope that we can reach

enough individuals with influence and a willingness to help. In particular,
we need to reach "middle management", who are often responsible for

program implementation. Unless they appreciate the significance of

these programs, "middle management" will be less willing to exert a

maximum effort to implement them. If administrators view minority
assistance programs as simply being politically expedient-—something

that we just have to learn to live with—-rather than being indicative of

a fundamental commitment, then the programs will be viewed primarily as

a separate effort that can best be handled by keeping them out of mainstream
activities.

With regard to future actions, it seems to me that an immediate goal
should be to increase the number of health science oriented individuals
who can associate with Chicanos and other Hispanic—Americans. These
individuals need to have a maximum degree of visibility and exposure to
serve as role models. Furthermore, if we are to increase opportunities
for the disadvantaged and economically deprived, it is vital that we
develop programs which reach youngsters in their formative years. If we
continue to wait until students from these groups are in college, we

will not be successful to encourage and motivate them to choose biomedical
careers. During their early years, if such youngsters could associate
with and meet scientists, we could begin to increase the pool of potential
minority health professionals. I recognize this monumental task can

only be achieved in stages and over several generations. However, at

the very least, we should attempt to encourage science teachers who

teach in the most difficult circumstances—-that is, teaching science to
students who are not interested in any aspect of academic activity, much
less science. It would be very beneficial to develop programs to provide
assistance to science teachers, and to the teachers of science instructors.
Also, if these science teachers could associate with individuals in
health related disciplines, they in turn would serve as links to the
students. The early and rapid development of greater numbers of Hispanic
teachers becomes a critical objective. If young Hispanics don't choose
science as a career, then we won't have any role models. The vicious

cycle will continue unless some active, effective, and aggressive program
is begun which will significantly increase the number of Hispanics
entering careers related to an aspect of biomedical science.

The question today is what can NIH do now and in the future to help
dissolve the vicious cycle? How can NIH contribute further to the'
solution of specific dilemmas faced by Hispanics? Certainly, we should
not disregard efforts currently being made toward the goal of increasing
the numbers of science personnel from underrepresented minority groups.

These programs are to be commended and highly regarded. Those with
which I am most familiar and deserve special mention are:

1. The Minority Biomedical Support Program of the Division of Research
Resources,

2. The Minority Access to Research Careers Program under the auspices
of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, and

3. The Minority Hypertension Research Development Summer Program
initiated by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

These programs are specifically oriented toward increasing the number of
minority investigators in areas that are relevant to the biomedical
sciences, and developing their potential. One might ask, isn't this
enough? What more can or should the National Institutes of Health do?

I feel that these efforts, while commendable, should only be regarded as
the beginning of a serious attempt to achieve an increased participation
of the Hispanic-Americans in health related sciences.

At this point, it might be helpful to consider a few specific ways NIH
could help resolve some of the problems I have delineated. In other
words, what can we do that hasn't been or isn't being done? Aside from
the special programs previously mentioned, one might ask whether a
specific effort is being made to include a reasonable number of the
Hispanic scientific community in the mainstream of NIH activities. For
example, have Hispanics been recruited by NIH to positions where they
can participate in aspects of policy design and priority decisions? If
not, the situation could be considered analgous to a medical school with
a single minority faculty member, who is in charge of the affirmative
action office or the office of minority students. Greater efforts
should be made to include Hispanics in positions which cut across various
lines. Such efforts would allow them to exert a greater influence in
areas associated with the mainstream effort of NIH.

Are any efforts being made by NIH to identify notable Hispanic scientists,
and include them in recommendations to individuals who select study
section members and special consultants? This is necessary in order to
demonstrate that there is in fact a sincere effort to weave into the
general fabric of NIH the participation of minority scientists. We must
recognize that minority scientists usually do not come from highly
prestigious institutions or big training programs, and do not always

have influential connections. They know little about the "system" in
Washington and how they can use it to their advantage. Thus, even
productive minority scientists are maintained at arm's length from the
mainstream activities of the NIH. ”

A more concerted effort should be made to include Hispanic scientists in
activities to achieve greater visibility. It might prove worthwhile

to sponsor lecture programs at institutions attended by substantial

numbers of Hispanic-American students. These students need the opportunity
to hear and interact with the few Hispanic-American scientists whom we
currently have. Since administrators of some institutions with large
Hispanic-American student populations do not appear particularly sensitive
to increasing the pool of science oriented Hispanic—Americans, it seems
necessary for outside agencies to initiate such programs.

Does NIH encourage universities, medical, and professional schools

located in areas of large Hispanic populations to establish programs

oriented toward increasing Hispanic-American participation in the institutions
mainstream activities? These institutions should be encouraged to

recruit and hire more faculty and staff who can relate to students,

clients, and patients. I am convinced that until some outside influence

is exerted, many institutions will continue to neglect their responsibility

to increase the number of Hispanic faculty and staff. I think the

experiences of many Chicano and other Hispanic scientists exemplify the

lack of sensitivity that exists in many of these schools.

I strongly encourage the continued development of cooperative programs
between large research universities and minority institutions. For
example, the Minority Hypertension Research Development Summer Training
Program was initiated in Alabama this past summer. We had seven faculty
members from surrounding predominantly Black schools collaborate with
various investigators from the University Medical Center. In this way,
minority school faculty members were exposed to a large number of University
of Alabama—Birmingham faculty, had access to established laboratory
activities, participated in seminar programs, and in general, took part
in university activities. This program provided the means for greater
interaction between our medical center staff and minority school faculty
members. We hope for an even more worthwhile program next summer.
Additional programs should be instituted in other research areas whereby
minority school faculty and students have the opportunity to acquire
firsthand knowledge of the research and scholarly activities in progress
at recognized research institutions in their communities and regions.

I am not sure that enough work has been done to identify disease-oriented
research of special concern and potential benefit to Hispanics. Certainly,
diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, heart disease, cancer, and diseases
associated with nutritional deficiencies are of great concern to the
Hispanic-Americans. However, I am not aware that the prevalence of

these or other conditions is any greater in this group than in the

general population. Thus, it might be necessary to investigate this to
determine if certain diseases are of greater importance to
Hispanic-Americans than to others. Programs, as described by

Dr. Robert I. Levy, related to hypertension in Spanish-speaking communities

10

will help to answer these questions.

In closing, I emphasize that programs I have described Can meet with
only limited success if the individuals who implement them have little
enthusiasm. It remains essential to provide convincing information to
as many people as possible so that a greater number of our scientific
colleagues will appreciate the magnitude of the problem, and will strive
to implement programs that will contribute to its resolution.

11

NIH POSITION

The following is the NIH response given by Dr. Thomas E. Malone, Deputy
Director of NIH. ,4.

First of all, I would like to comment on the great value of this program.
In addition to providing an opportunity to partake of the rich artistic
culture of the Hispanic heritage, it provides an opportunity for us to
come to grips with real issues relating to the involvement of
Hispanic-Americans in research in this country. We are indebted to

Dr. Griffo and Mrs. Bowles who put this workshop together on very short
notice.

The speakers here today have made balanced and provocative presentations,
and I now hope that we can steer the meeting in directions that will be
responsive to their comments. Dr. Navar stated that we have made some
progress at the National Institutes of Health in incorporating all
members of our society in the national biomedical research effort, but
he also pointed out some of the challenges which lie before us. I would
like to address these points.

I think I can say that it is only within the past decade or two that
there has been a real public expression of concerns about societal
needs, and the quality of life. The meshing of these imperatives with
the pursuit of science at NIH has developed more recently. Only within
the last decade has there emerged a real concern about the need to
involve all segments of our population in biomedical research. Prior to
that we were primarily concerned with carrying out our mission of conducting
and supporting biomedical research and research training and, although
Americans were contributing billions of dollars for this effort, some
segments of our population had little opportunity to participate in this
research, let alone benefit from the fruits of research. One must agree
that the need to have all segments of the population participate in our
programs is long overdue and that we must increase our efforts to assure
such participation. Otherwise we are losing the benefits of a vast
intellectual pool. I can assure you that at this point in time there is
a real commitment, not only at NIH but in other Department of Health,
Education, and Welfare (DHEW)* components, to reach the goal of full
participation rapidly and effectively.

To my knowledge, this workshop is the first time that a portion of a
cultural program has been set aside to address the issues relating to
the participation of an ethnic minority group in biomedical research and
research training. And I suspect that it wouldn't have happened

10 years ago, certainly not 20 years ago. The NIH and the rest of the
Nation have come a long way in responding to social, legal, and ethical
concerns. We have, as an expression of this recent evolutionary process,
developed policies and procedures for protecting the welfare and rights
of human subjects and animals involved in biomedical research, for the
protection Of scientists and human subjects from biohazards, and for a
variety of programs in the area of civil rights.

 

* Currently Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS);
became official May 4, 1980.

12

I would like to emphasize my hope and belief that a day will come when

we will not need special programs such as the one we are participating

in, but that's going to be a long way off because we have so many inequities
to address--to redress-—and it will take some time. I can fully understand ,
your impatience to get on with the business of more fully involving
Hispanics in biomedical research and research training. This progress
should take place more rapidly because some steps have been taken to

correct a system which brought about great deprivations to members of
minority groups. The establishment of the NIH's MBS Program may indeed
represent a highlight in the change that has taken place at NIH during

the past decade. (I'm happy to see that Dr. Geraldine Woods, who played

a considerable role in the initiation of that Program, is present today.)
MBS has been very instrumental in developing a pool of minority group
scientists for participation in our biomedical research efforts, both in
laboratories and in administrative echelons. While this is a relatively
small program with a budget of only a small percentage of the total

overall NIH budget of almost $3 billion, it has been highly effective in
bringing opportunity and visibility to ethnic minorities in our grantee
institutions.

The MBS Program, in NIH's Division of Research Resources, was established
initially to enhance the opportunities for members of the Black population
to enter into the mainstream of biomedical research. But, with the
increasing recognition of the needs of other ethnic minorities, the
program has evolved to encompass all ethnic groups. If you had an
opportunity to attend the annual MBS Symposium, you would be quite
gratified by the quality of research papers presented by young students,
by the zeal of their instructors, and by the fact that many NIH Institutes
now enthusiastically participate in this program. At the present time,
more than a half—dozen Institutes are collaborating with the M33 Program
by supporting projects consonant with their missions.

Another program specifically designed to enhance participation of ethnic
minorities in biomedical research is the MARC (Minority Access to Research
Careers) Program administered by the National Institute of General
Medical Sciences. Mr. Elward Bynum of that Institute is here today and
will tell you more about that program.

NIH has recently inaugurated the Extramural Associates Program--and I
notice that some of its participants are present——which provides an
opportunity for representatives of minority and women's institutions to
come to NIH for about 6 months to gain first—hand knowledge of our
programs, of the mechanisms and processes used in the making of an
award, and of the administration of our extramural programs. It is our
expectation that participants will share their knowledge with others at
their institutions and that this will result in greater success in the
competition for funds available for support of biomedical research and
research training. I think this program is a significant development
and we owe it to the initiative of Dr. Griffo and of the Coordinating
Committee for NIH Minority and Women Research and Training, which
provides advice to the NIH Director on new efforts to achieve greater
participation of minorities and women in NIH extramural programs.

13

The above are but some of our special programs. I hope that during this
workshop some of the Institutes will enlarge upon their special activities,
such as the Minority Hypertension Research Development Summer Program of
the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the cooperative
agreements of the various Institutes under the MBS Program, the general
involvement of Hispanics in clinical trials, and other research and
research training activities of special interest to Hispanic-Americans.

But I would like to emphasize, and I would be remiss if I didn't, that
while we do have these special programs, all of our programs are available
to all scientists. I therefore feel that, despite the roadblocks and
barriers, those of all minority groups who have participated in science
and who have earned advanced degrees owe it to themselves and to their
specific ethnic group to compete for support under our "regular" programs,
because I would be concerned if there was a suggestion that a Ph.D. held
by one person is of less significance or less respectable than that of
another. And too, it is important that individuals with recently earned
doctorates enter the mainstream of biomedical research as early as
possible in order to avoid the need for retraining at a later time or in
order to avoid the proverbial rut.

In preparation for this meeting, we asked each Institute to provide us
with a list of its programs, a listing of those supported through grants
and contracts, and other activities that specifically relate to Hispanics.
I'm gratified by the amount of work that's going on in this area and the
sensitivity to the need to engage Hispanics in these activities. I hope
that in the ensuing discussion the Institute representatives will give
examples, beyond those I have mentioned, as to the involvement of
Hispanics in the various kinds of research programs, clinical trials,
epidemiological studies of cancer, etc.

Finally, I would like to respond briefly to some of the issues raised by
Dr. Navar. Obviously, if you are going to have an impact on change in
the NIH programs, you have to be in policymaking positions. While we do
have some Hispanic representation, it is admittedly meager. I suspect
that this can be ascribed in part to the existing pool of Hispanic
scientific manpower. But, where there is an insufficient number of
trained individuals available, it is our responsibility to see that this
number is increased. Training activities must be started at an early
age, as Dr. Navar pointed out, by motivating and stimulating young
people to pursue studies relating to the health sciences during college
and high school, if not earlier.

I can assure yOu that the Secretary of the Department of Health, Education,
and Welfare is completely dedicated to the goal of involving more minorities
and women in the programs of the Department and has issued and implemented
a number of directives aimed at achieving this goal. It is expected

that, as another step, the Surgeon General will issue, in the near

future, a PHS initiative for hiring minorities and women. This will

reflect his concern about the apparent deficiencies revealed by an

analysis of DHEW's hiring of minorities and women who will be given
priority consideration for positions for which they qualify.

l4

an. ~ rigs

In February of this year we established at NIH an Executive Committee on
Civil Rights Activities, which I chair. The committee is comprised of
individuals with responsibilities for the hiring of NIH personnel as
well as for activities relating to our extramural support of biomedical
research and research training. It is used as a forum for assessing the
advances which have been made in all areas of civil rights, as well as
the identification of problems. The committee recognizes the challenge
and need to hire more minorities and women. In reviewing data showing
the number and/or percentage of ethnic minorities and women in the
various grade levels at the NIH, there is a dramatic downward turn at
higher grade levels. We know that we have to improve that situation and
the committee is working with our personnel division and other elements
of the NIH in an active effort to alleviate this situation. '

As Dr. Navar pointed out, it is also important to have adequate representation
from ethnic minorities on our advisory groups in order for them to

develop a greater understanding of our programs and policies and to
participate in the decision-making process. We have been making a
concerted effort to increase such representation and indeed have made
considerable progress over the past year or so. A little over a year

ago, Dr. Fredrickson, the Director of NIH, issued a memorandum requiring
all Institutes, when providing a formal slate of candidates for appointment
and/or approval, to include at least one qualified ethnic minority and

one qualified woman unless the slate is accompanied by a request for an
exception, for concurrence by the Office of the Director and the Department
Committee Management Officer. The request for exception must include a
summary of the steps taken to identify and recruit such candidates, and

an explanation of why these efforts were not successful. Requests for
approval of nominations not meeting these requirements will not be
accepted. We are already seeing rather dramatic increases in this
representation as a result of that document. More recently, the DHEW
Secretary and Dr. Fredrickson agreed that more stringent measures would

be advisable and, as a consequence, in submitting nominations to fill
vacancies on various advisory groups, Institutes must now provide (a) an
indication of the way in which nominations would change the balance of
study section membership, i.e., will the nominations increase or decrease
the number of minorities and women, (b) the recent trend of minorities

and women membership on the review group, (c) information concerning the
relative numbers of highly qualified minorities and women in the field

of the review group's expertise, (d) efforts that have been made to find
minority and women candidates, and (e) the relationship between finding
highly qualified minorities and women and achieving goals of geographical
and organizational balance. We think that in addition to the progress

that has been made in the past, this will provide for significant improvement
in the participation of minorities and women in the advisory apparatus

of the NIH.

Finally, Dr. Navar asked us about the impact of our policies on the
hiring of faculty of universities. Obviously we cannot control the
hiring practices within a university but there are some related actions
we can take in relationship to our grants and contracts programs. We
do, as a condition of a grant or contract, require adherence to the

15

non-discrimination laws. We have initiated an active contract compliance
program designed to improve adherence to these directives within procurement
regulations.

And so I would simply like to reassure you, in these very brief comments,
that the Secretary, DHEW, and the Director, NIH, are fully cognizant of
the issues that have been presented here and share our determination
that they will be resolved as expeditiously as possible. While some
modest progress has been made in enhancing the role of Hispanics in
biomedical research, much still needs to be done. We hope that through
meetings such as this and by other means you will provide us with input
as to how this can best be accomplished, and that you will also provide
us with the impetus and pressure for the further realization of our
mutual goals. We will be as responsive and as sensitive to your needs
as we can.

I'm grateful for the chance to interact with you and hope that we will
have some free-flowing and thoughtful discussion in the remaining time.

16

‘

DISCUSSION

The following is a summary of that portion of the discussion which
centered on NIH related concerns. For the purpose of clarity, narrative
is amplified in a few instances from the written reports prepared by the
NIH Institutes and Divisions prior to the workshop.

Dr. Ciriaco Gonzales, moderator for the NIH portion of the workshop,
encouraged the participants to focus on broader health related issues

.Which affect Hispanics, rather than on the existing NIH minority programs,

such as the Minority Biomedical Support Program of the Division of
Research Resources or the Minority Access to Research Careers Program of
the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. According to

Dr. Gonzales, Hispanics are familiar with NIH minority programs and
there is widespread recognition that these are accomplishing their
specific objectives. In the interest of further advances, however, it
will be advisable to address areas which are within or closer to the
mainstream concerns of the NIH.

Dr. Gonzales recommended that conference participants address issues
dealing with the representation of Hispanics among NIH grantees and
contractors; on review and other advisory groups; in employment at the
NIH, including promotions and other visible signs of recognition; and in
various NIH training programs, including the Grants Associates Program.

The moderator for ADAMHA, Dr. Mark Quinones, pointed out the dearth of
data on Hispanics in this country. For instance, in a recent attempt to
review drug abuse among Hispanics, he could trace only 23 citations
through a literature search. Yet, it is a widely held belief that drug
addiction is a serious problem among Hispanics. .

The same issue pertains to biomedical research in general. Biomedical
literature is acquired, catalogued, indexed, and made available to
qualified users through the National Library of Medicine (NLM). Searches
of the computerized data base are conducted using medical subject
headings. One of 14,000 such terms is "Hispanic-Americans." A search

of this term recently produced only 32 citations of journal articles and
monographs which dealt to varying degrees with Hispanics in the United
States.

The conference group attempted to identify diseases that affect Hispanics
to an excessive extent. For instance, a greater incidence of lactose
intolerance has been reported among children of Spanish origin. However,
workshop participants did not view lactose intolerance as a special
health problem for Hispanics needing a study by NIH. Other ethnic

groups have a similar problem, especially Orientals. But the issue does
become a serious public health concern when nutritional programs directed
at Hispanic and other susceptible children fail to take this phenomenon
into consideration.

The group agreed that the term "Hispanic” is used too loosely at the
present time. Such loose interpretation is counterproductive in most

17

instances. First of all, use of Spanish surnames is not very helpful

and, on occasion, may be even totally misleading. Secondly, although

language might be an adequate means for some investigations, possibly in
sociology, for most studies finer degrees of differentation will be

necessary. Separation of Hispanics into Chicanos, Puerto Ricans, Cubans,
South Americans, and others, is a step in the proper direction. In many
instances, however, additional genetic, geographic, or climatic considerations
need to be brought into play.

Prevention was identified as another important issue for Hispanics. Due

to socioeconomic conditions experienced by a large segment of the Hispanic
population, preventive measures will of necessity require serious attention
in the near future. The group agreed, however, that our knowledge about
the genesis of disease is still at a primitive stage. Consequently, any
preventive efforts are seriously hampered by the current lack of knowledge.

It was further noted that as preventive measures are developed, there

will be the problem of bringing the necessary information to potential
users. Participants were cautioned by Dr. Donald Tower, that in developing
literature for Hispanics, it will be essential that such literature be
prepared by individuals familiar with the regions to be served. For
example, pamphlets prepared by highly trained individuals from abroad

may not be understood by people in small farming communities in the
Southwest or elsewhere.

Existing prevention efforts include the impressive program of the National
Cancer Institute to educate Hispanics about cancer. Publications about
cancer are provided to the public and are distributed with the assistance
of organizations which traditionally serve the Hispanic community.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has a research and demonstration
center in heart disease in Houston, which, in addition to other efforts,

aims to encourage healthy dietary preferences of residents, including
Hispanics.

The National Institute of Dental Research prepared a Spanish publication
entitled "Good Teeth for You and Your Baby." It is being distributed
through clinics and stores in areas with large Hispanic populations.

A general point was made earlier in the discussion that more research
should be conducted in Hispanic communities. Dr. Tower, identified
several regions in South America, which offer eXCellent opportunities
and are used for such research. As an example, high altitude physiology
and disorders are being studied in the Andean countries like Ecuador and
Peru. Hemorrhagic fever is studied in Bolivia; and epidemiological
studies on the prevalence of epilepsy are carried out throughout the
Central and South Americas. Epilepsy is more frequent in these countries
than in those of North America and Western Europe. Because the disease
requires chronic lifetime medication, it is important to find out about
any atypical responses to anticonvulsant drugs among the Central and
South Americans.

Dr. Tower noted that the relationship between nutrition and mental
retardation has been studied in Guatemala. There is a greater relative

18

 

prevalance of Huntington's chorea in Venezuela, which provides an unusual
opportunity to study the biochemical facets of the problem. Chile is
especially suited to the study of multiple sclerosis. Since Chile spans
several climatic and geographical zones, the study is particularly
valuable. Excellent cooperative research activities are on—going with
scientists in Argentina. In addition, the World Health Organization has
identified problems of the nervous system for collaborative studies in
South America, Mexico, and Columbia in which NIH also participates.
Consequently, NIH is seriously involved with the health concerns of
Spanish-speaking countries which, in turn, should be a stimulus to
Hispanics in the United States to choose health—related careers.

Dr. Tower also noted that some neurological disorders are investigated

in Texas, Puerto Rico, and Florida and that these studies include Hispanics.
In addition, the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative
Disorders and Stroke supports a project in Texas and Arizona for the
purpose of developing reliable methods for screening Spanish-speaking
children for early signs of impaired language development.

In another project in Texas, the National Institute of Child Health and
Human Development focuses on the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics
of Mexican-Americans as compared to black and white Americans.

The National Cancer Institute provides support to the Puerto Rico Cancer
Center which is the prime impetus in the planning of an Island-wide
Cancer Manangement System for Puerto Rico. The center stimulates the
design and promotion of educational and training programs. NCI supports
cooperative trials in Puerto Rico to evaluate new chemotherapeutic
agents, new modalities of treatment, and combined modality approaches.
The Institute also funds a Texas study that will link vital records of 4
Laredo, which is 90 percent Mexican-American, into extended genealogies.
This study will contribute to cancer genetics and epidemiology, and to
the epidemiology of disease in Mexican—Americans in general.

As part of a multicenter research clinical trial in the treatment of
diabetic retinopathy, the National Eye Institute supports the University
of Puerto Rico which provides services to Hispanic patients.

Dr. Bowery, DRR, noted that, in the past, the usual way of dealing with
health concerns of minorities was to let Anglo—Americans be the investigators
and minority group members the subjects. Hopefully, Hispanics will have
better opportunities in the future to investigate and contribute to

science in areas where they are primarily concerned. The MBS Program

has made a significant contribution toward giving Hispanics better
opportunities to join the ranks of biomedical scientists.

Dr. Clair Gardner noted that the current discussion reminded him of the
continuing dialogue held by the Coordinating Committee for NIH Minority
and Women Research and Training during the past 3 years. Irrespective of
any other efforts, the highest returns will come from training, according
to Dr. Gardner. He asked Dr. Griffo, Chairman of the CCMWRT to summarize
the current position of the Committee on this issue.

19

Dr. Griffo noted that current NIH minority programs, notably MBS and
MARC, focus ultimately on the undergraduate student. The reasons for
this emphasis go back to the last decade. During the sixties, NIH
undertook a major effort to train large numbers of scientists for biomedical
research. As for minorities, few were adequately prepared or motivated
at that time to compete successfully for such support. To help remedy
this inequality, NIH made a deliberate decision to go beyond the usual
limits of its activities and aid in the development of a larger pool of
minority undergraduates aspiring toward careers in biomedical science.
These efforts, carried out by MBS and MARC, have been highly successful.
The number of minority undergraduates ready for predoctoral training is
steadily increasing.

In the meantime, however, training no longer receives the same degree of

support as previously. Scientists are trained on a limited scale and in

areas of identified need. This constitutes a major threat to our attempts

to increase the number of minority scientists. Although there may be an
abundance of scientists in some fields, minorities and women are underrepresented
in all. Predoctoral training is singularly important in this respect.

The Committee is concerned with maintaining continued access for minorities

and women to predoctoral and postdoctoral training in the face of decreasing
opportunities.

Secondly, the CCMWRT searches for effective approaches to reach larger
numbers of students, and even earlier in their development. At the
other end of the spectrum, the Committee explores new approaches to help
retrain or rechannel "midcareer" scientists whose research expertise has
been eroded by heavy teaching loads, student counseling, administrative
responsibilities, or absence from research due to overriding family
considerations. Some NIH programs for the "new" or developing investigator
are appropriate for retraining "midcareer" scientists. In addition,
some of these programs may be a good model for an NIH—wide approach to
introducing minority and women investigators to independent research.
The Committee also recognized need for flexible, that is, part—time
training under certain specified circumstances.

Dr. Griffo noted that current cooperation of the NIH Institutes with the
MBS and MARC programs is an excellent means of drawing minority institutions
and individuals into the mainstream of NIH supported research. The new
NIH Extramural Associates Program has the same purpose, but operates

from a different vantage ground. The Program aims to strengthen on site
capabilities of minority and women's colleges and universities to compete
for Federal grants and contracts. To that end the NIH invites, on a
competitive basis, key administrators of science from eligible colleges
and universities to spend 6 months in rotating working assignments at

the NIH and elsewhere in the Federal government. While on assignment,
the Associates gain firsthand knowledge about the research concerns of
the NIH and other Federal agencies, the support mechanisms through which
this research is being accomplished, and the policies and procedures
which govern the awarding of grants and contracts.

The committee is also aware that, in order to draw minority institutions
and individuals into the mainstream of NIH supported research, information

20

and advice about NIH programs will have to be broadly and readily available.
The Committee is developing recommendations for an NIH—wide system for
dissemination of information.
.p (1|-
Dr. Jay Moskowitz pointed out that the new Minority Hypertension Research
Development Summer Program, developed by the National Heart, Lung, and
Blood Institute, is highly significant both for the Institute and NIH.
It represents a model wherein developing institutions are aligned in a
consortial system with recognized centers of excellence for continuing
interaction on issues of mutual concern. In addition, the Institute
plays a leading role in sponsoring workshops and conferences for the
Hispanic, American Indian, and other minority communities. The director
and other high level staff of the Institute participate in such meetings.
In addition, NHLBI also intends to continue with research involving
Hispanic groups. As an example, the research and demonstration center
in heart disease, located in Houston, has a program which attempts to
encourage healthy dietary preferences of residents, including Hispanics.

Dr. William Hamm, an Extramural Associate from St. Mary's University,

San Antonio, Texas, stated that as a physicist and teacher of many

years' experience, he could not overemphasize the importance of a sufficiently
large pool of young people eager to enter careers in science. All

current efforts notwithstanding, the pool of these students is decreasing.
Dr. Hamm strongly commended the programs of the National Science Foundation,
especially the Women in Science Program. This program exposes high

school students to positive role models. A similar approach could be
adopted for Hispanics. Dr. Hamm stated that the pipeline into science

for minorities and women becomes turned off by the time they reach their
freshman year in college.

Dr. Navar agreed, suggesting that there should be tangible incentives
for schools to allow Hispanic scientists to play more active parts and
serve as role models. This is particularly important in locations with
high concentrations of Hispanics.

Dr. Malone stated that some of these concerns are clearly within the
purview of the institutions. The NIH, however, is actively engaged in
increasing the visibility and participation of minorities and women in
NIH decision-making. He asked Dr. Schiaffino to describe the status of
Hispanics on NIH advisory groups and committees. Dr. Schiaffino pointed
out the difficulty in identifying Hispanics with specific scientific
backgrounds to fill individual positions on Initial Review Groups (IRG's)
as vacancies become available. Competition for the few available individuals
is high. To counteract these difficulties, DRG, with the help of the
Office of the Director, NIH, intends to collate and expand lists of
minority individuals qualified for such appointments. In addition, as
recommended by the Grants Peer Review Study Team, the NIH will advertise
to the scientific public all existing vacancies on advisory groups and
committees.

In closing, Dr. Geraldine Woods, consultant to NIGMS, commented that she
had just attended meetings at the University of New Mexico and

21

New Mexico State University. After hearing students present their

research results, Dr. Woods was gratified by the M33 and MARC contributions
to Hispanics in that area. Officials should not denigrate the results
achieved so far. Similarly, NIH staff should become better acquainted
with the M38 and MARC programs, and with how these programs introduce

and prepare minorities for further studies in the biomedical and behavioral
sciences.

22

CONTRIBUTORS
1978

a n4

Ms. Pereta Balian
Training and Educational Advisor
National Institute on Drug Abuse, ADAMHA

Mr. Calvin B. Baldwin
Executive Officer
National Cancer Institute, NIH

Ms. Michele Basen
Public Health Analyst
National Institute on Drug Abuse, ADAMHA

Dr. Katherine Bick

Assistant Director

Neurological Disorders Program

National Institute of Neurological &
Communicative Disorders and Stroke, NIH

AMr. Theodore W. Blakeney

EEO Specialist

National Institute of Child Health
and Human Development, NIH

Dr. Thomas G. Bowery
Director
Division of Research Resources, NIH

Dr. George T. Brooks

Associate Director

Extramural Activities Program

National Institute of Arthritis,
Metabolism and Digestive Diseases, NIH

Ms. Estelle 0. Brown

Staff Assistant

Office of Program Coordination
Office of the Administrator, ADAMHA

Mr. Norman Brown

Deputy Chief

Audio Visual Branch

Office of Communications
Office of the Director, NIH

Mr. Al Burke

Acting Director

Office of Program Planning and Evaluation
Office of the Administrator, ADAMHA

23

Mr. Elward Bynum
Director
Minority Access to Research Careers Program
National Institute of General
Medical Sciences, NIH

Mr. Kenneth G. Carney

Chief

Office of Program Analysis and Legislation
National Library of Medicine, NIH

Dr. Mischa E. Friedman

Assistant Chief

Clinical Sciences Review Section
Scientific Review Branch
Division of Research Grants, NIH

Mrs. Sol del Eaton
EEO Representative
National Cancer Institute, NIH

Dr. Clair L. Gardner
Associate Director for Extramural Programs
National Institute of Dental Research, NIH

Dr. Ciriaco Gonzales

Director

Minority Biomedical Support Program
Division of Research Resources, NIH

Dr. Zora J. Griffo
Special Programs Officer
Office of the Director, NIH

Dr. Leon Jacobs
Director
Fogarty International Center, NIH

Dr. James F. Kavanagh

Associate Director

Center for Research for Mothers
and Children

National Institute of Child Health and
Human Development, NIH

Dr. Carl M. Leventhal

Deputy Director

National Institute of Arthritis,
Metabolism and Digestive Diseases, NIH

Dr. Thomas E. Malone

Deputy Director
Office of the Director, NIH

24

Mr. L. Lee Manuel
Executive Officer
Division of Computer Research and Technology, NIH

Mrs. Carolyn G. McHale

Head

Program Information Section
Extramural Services Branch
National Eye Institute, NIH

Dr. Rosemary Morris

Executive Secretary

Cardiovascular and Renal Study Section
Division of Research Grants, NIH

Dr. Bayard H. Morrison
Assistant Director
National Cancer Institute, NIH

Dr. Jay Moskowitz

Director

Office of Program Planning and Evaluation
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH

Dr. Luis G. Navar

Professor of Physiology and Biophysics
University of Alabama-Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama

Dr. Wilford Nusser
Associate Director for Extramural Programs
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, NIH

Dr. Esteban L. Olmedo

Assistant Director

Spanish Speaking Research and Development Center
University of California-L03 Angeles

Los Angeles, California

Dr. William Pollin

Director

Division of Research

National Institute on Drug Abuse, ADAMHA

Dr. Joseph R. Quinn
Acting Deputy Director
Fogarty International Center, NIH

Dr. Mark A. Quinones

Director of Drug Abuse and Social Medicine

College of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey
Newark, New Jersey

25

Dr. Juan Ramos
Director
Division of Special Mental Health
Programs
National Institute of Mental Health, ADAMHA

Dr. William F. Raub

Associate Director for Extramural Research
and Training

Office of the Director, NIH

Dr. Robert Ringler
Deputy Director Designate
National Institute on Aging, NIH

Ms. Lavinia Rodriquez

Program Analyst

Office of Program Planning and Evaluation
Office of the Administrator, ADAMHA

Ms. Ruth Sanchez—Dirks
Special Assistant to the Director
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, ADAMHA

Mr. Armando Sandoval
Health Scientist Administrator
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH

Dr. S. Stephen Schiaffino
Associate Director for Scientific Review
Division of Research Grants, NIH

Dr. David B. Scott
Director
National Institute of Dental Research, NIH

Dr. John R. Seal

Deputy Director

National Institute of Allergy and
Infectious Diseases, NIH

Dr. Donald B. Tower

Director

National Institute of Neurological and
Communicative Disorders and Stroke, NIH

Dr. Fernando Villarroel

Program Coordinator

National Institute of Arthritis,
Metabolism and Digestive Diseases, NIH

26

Mr. Ralph 0. Williams

Chief

Systems Analysis and Planning Branch

Office of Program Planning and Evaluation
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, NIH

Mr. George Yee

Program Manager

Division of Equal Opportunity
Office of the Director, NIH

27

APPENDIX

28

NIH EXTRAMURAL PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES
FOR MINORITIES AND WOMEN

June 1980

The NIH has several programs and support activities which, in the aggregate,
provide a continuum of opportunities for ethnic and racial minorities,
including Hispanics, to enter and participate in the mainstream of
biomedical research.

NIH EXTRAMURAL MINORITY PROGRAMS

There are two NIH programs designed to strengthen the capability of
minority colleges and universities to conduct research, motivate and
prepare the undergraduate students of these institutions for advanced
studies, and provide research training in biomedical science for their
faculty and graduate students. These programs form the basis of an NIH—
wide system which allows all institutes to participate.

Minority Biomedical Support Program, Division of Research Resources

MBS supports institutional research programs in minority colleges and
universities or in institutions which have significant numbers of ethnic
or racial minorities and have demonstrated a commitment to prepare
minorities for biomedical research.

MBS supports research projects conducted by faculty, postdoctoral
staff, and by graduate and undergraduate students. It also provides
funds for summer enrichment programs and other health oriented support
activities.

Additional information may be obtained by writing or calling:
Minority Biomedical Support Program Telephone: (301) 496-6743
Division of Research Resources
National Institutes of Health
Building 31, Room 5335
Bethesda, Maryland 20205

Minority Access to Research Careers Program, National Institute of
General Medical Sciences

 

MARC supports institutional fellowships and traineeships in health
related research for faculty members and students of minority colleges
and universities or institutions that have significant numbers of ethnic
or racial minorities and have demonstrated a commitment to prepare
minorities for biomedical research. The Program consists of the MARC
Faculty Fellowship Program, the MARC Visiting Scientist Program, and the
MARC Honors Undergraduate Research Training Program.

Additional information may be obtained by writing or calling:
Minority Access to Research Careers Program
Telephone: (301) 496—7941
National Institute of General Medical Sciences
National Institutes of Health
Westwood Building, Room 9A—18
Bethesda, Maryland 20205

29

NIH Cooperative Minority Programs

 

The NIH Bureaus, Institutes, and Divisions contribute to the support of
minorities through the NIH Cooperative Minority Programs. Under these
programs, an institute funds those portions of MBS or MARC program
awards which are in keeping with its program mission. Institute support
depends on the inclusion of such projects or fellowships in MBS or MARC
applications and on the ability of institutes to fund new proposals.

Cooperative Minority Programs are administered by MBS of the Division of
Research Resources or by MARC of the National Institute of General
Medical Sciences. A close working relationship exists between the participating
bureaus or institutes, the MBS and (or) MARC program, and the grantees.
Institute science administrators participate in project site visits and
are expected to exert leadership in the development of categorically
oriented research at universities and colleges supported by the MBS or
MARC Programs. NIH Cooperative Minority Programs promote the entry into
and participation of minority institutions and individuals in institute
sponsored research. Following is a listing of those NIH Institutes
which already have such cooperative minority programs.

National Institute on Aging

 

NIA supports research and research manpower development in cellular
aging; immunological aspects of aging; nutrition; menopause;

senile dementia; differential life expectancy; and the societal
aspects of aging.

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

 

NIAID funds research and research manpower development in allergic
and immunologic diseases and basic immune mechanisms; infectious
diseases and basic microbiological mechanisms; allergy; immunology;
immunochemistry; immunopathology; immunogenetics; clinical immunology;
autoimmunity; transplantation biology; bacteriology; virology;
parasitology; mycology; pathogenesis of infectious diseases; and
epidemiology of allergic, immunologic, and infectious diseases.

National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism, and Digestive Diseases

 

NIAMDD sponsors research and research manpower development in

arthritic, rheumatic and collagen diseases, dermatology and orthopedics;
the broad spectrum of metabolic diseases; digestive diseases and
nutrition; and in hematology, urology and renal disease.

National Cancer Institute

 

NCI supports research and research manpower development in biology;
carcinogenesis; chemotherapy; diagnostic research, development and
epidemiology; immunology; cancer cause and prevention; radiation;
and viral oncology.

30

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

 

NICHD supports research and research manpower development in high
risk pregnancy; congenital abnormalities; sudden infant death
syndrome; childhood origins of adult disease; mental retardation;
learning disorders; fertility regulation and contraceptive safety;
fertility and infertility; and population studies.

National Institute of Dental Research

NIDR supports research and research manpower development in caries;
periodontal diseases; craniofacial anomalies; restorative materials;
soft tissue stomatology and nutrition; pain control and the behavioral

aspects of disease management and prevention.

National Eye Institute

 

NEI sponsors research and research manpower development in prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of visual disorders including retinal and
chorOidal diseases; glaucoma; cataracts; corneal diseases, and
sensory and motor disorders of vision.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

 

NHLBI supports research and development of research manpower in the
following program areas:

Heart and blood vessel diseases: arteriosclerosis; hypertension;
cerebrovascular disease; coronary heart disease; peripheral vascular
disease; arrhythmias; heart failure and shock; congenital and
rheumatic heart diseases; cardiomyopathies and infections of the
heart; and circulatory assistance.

Lung diseases: structure and function of the lung; pediatric pulmonary
diseases; emphysema and chronic bronchitis; fibrotic and immunologic
lung disease; respiratory failure; and pulmonary vascular disease.

Blood diseases and blood resources: bleeding and clotting disorders;
disorders of the red blood cell; and sickle cell disease.

NHLBI also supports research in prevention, control, and education
measures associated with each area listed above.

National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke
NINCDS supports research and development of research manpower in

communicative disorders; stroke and nervous system trauma; neurological
disorders; and in the fundamental neurosciences.

31

Minority Hypertension Research Development Summer Program, National
Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

The NIH Bureaus, Institutes, and Divisions may also have separate
minority programs, provided that some of their special needs cannot be
met by the existing activities. An example of such a program is the
Minority Hypertension Research Development Summer Program, NHLBI.

The Program emphasizes the development of doctoral and postdoctoral
minority scientists in hypertension research, prevention, control, and
education, and the establishment of cooperative research efforts between
minority schools and recognized centers of hypertension research. The
Program funds a limited number of hypertension training centers which
engage in cooperative training programs with surrounding minority colleges
and universities.

Additional information may be obtained by writing or calling:
Manpower Branch Telephone: (301) 496—1724
Division of Heart and Vascular Diseases
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
National Institutes of Health
Federal Building, Room 5A12B
Bethesda, Maryland 20205

NIH Extramural Associates Program

The NIH Extramural Associates Program offers maximum opportunities for
enhancing the capability of minority and women's colleges and universities
to compete for NIH and other Federal grant and contract support. To
achieve this purpose, the NIH invites, on a competitive basis, key
administrators of science from eligible colleges and universities to

spend 6 months in rotating working assignments at the NIH and elsewhere

in the Federal government. While on assignments, the Associates gain
firsthand knowledge about Federal health—related programs and the associated
granting and contracting mechanisms. Program announcements are distributed
annually in September with applications for the Program due the following
January.

Additional information may be obtained by writing or calling:
NIH Extramural Associates Program Telephone: (301) 496-9728
National Institutes of Health
Building 31, Room lAlO
Bethesda, Maryland 20205

NIH Summer Research Apprenticeship Program for Minority High School Students

Initiated during the summer of 1980, this program is designed to stimulate
broader interest among minority high school students in science careers
and to establish individualized working relationships between these
students and active researchers. The activity is sponsored by a number

of Federal agencies, including the NIH.

32

Additional information about the NIH component of this program may be
obtained by writing or calling:

Biomedical Research Support Program Branch

Telephone: (301) 496-6743

Division of Research Resources

National Institutes of Health

Building 31, Room 5B23

Bethesda, Maryland 20205

NIH-WIDE PROGRAMS 0R PROGRAM SUPPORT ACTIVITIES
Awards for Preparing and Developing Investigators

The NIH has several support mechanisms designed to prepare doctoral—

1eve1 scientists and to promote their development into independent
investigators. Such support is available to all developing investigators
on a competitive basis. The following two mechanisms are most broadly
applicable to all potential biomedical and behavioral scientists, including
members of minority groups and women.

National Research Service Awards

 

These awards provide for the pre—and postdoctoral training of
biomedical and behavioral scientists in areas of identified national
need. The NIH maintains a careful overview to prevent any decline
of training opportunities for pre-and postdoctoral minority and
women candidates.

New Investigator Research Awards

These awards are designed to encourage both new investigators and
those who have interrupted early promising research careers to
develop or renew their research interests and capabilities in
biomedical and behavioral research. A recent consolidation of all
earlier NIH new and young investigator awards, the NIRA helps

bridge the transition from training status to that of an established
investigator.

Additional information about scientific program areas supported
under either the NRSA or NIRA program may be obtained by writing or
calling:

Research Manpower Officer Telephone: (301) 496—1963

National Institutes of Health

Building 1, Room 117

Bethesda, Maryland 20205

Membership on NIH Advisory Groups and Committees
NIH now has a centralized, computer retrievable file of minority, women,
and handicapped scientists with expertise appropriate for service on NIH

advisory groups, committees, and project site visits. This Consultant
File has been operational since July, 1979.

33

1

Both nominations for peer review service and requests for information
about the file may be directed to NIH by writing or calling:

Program Analysis Branch Telephone (301) 496-5011

Division of Program Analysis

Office of Program Planning and Evaluation

National Institutes of Health

Building 31, Room 1B58 '

Bethesda, Maryland 20205

Monitoring of Minority and Women's Participation in NIH Programs

A new grant application form (PHS 398) will be used by NIH beginning
with the October—November 1980 receipt date for applications. This form
includes an optional personal data form requesting information about

sex, date of birth, and racial or ethnic orgin of the applicant principal
investigator.

‘These data will be used by the Public Health Service (PHS) and the NIH
to assess and monitor the progress and participation of minorities,

women, and young investigators in applying for and receiving grant
awards.

Information and Administrative Assistance

 

NIH takes numerous steps to ensure that information about NIH programs,
policies, and administrative issues becomes available to both the
scientific and lay communities.

This is achieved through individual contacts between NIH staff and the
outside community; special information offices located centrally at NIH
and in the Bureaus, Institutes and Divisions; and through periodic or
occasional publications about NIH—wide or institute—specific issues.

The following publications and offices represent the most important
sources of information about NIH.

NIH Extramural Programs Brochure

This brochure, entitled NIH Extramural Programs, describes the
various NIH award mechanisms and summarizes the program interests
of each NIH Bureau, Institute, and Division. Free copies may be
obtained by writing or calling:

Office of Extramural Research and Training
Telephone: (301) 496—5356

National Institutes of Health

Building 1, Room 314

Bethesda, Maryland 20205

NIH Guide for Grants and Contracts

 

The Guide provides timely information about NIH research programs,
special initiatives, and related administrative matters. Issued

34

at irregular intervals, it is distributed free of charge.

Placement on the mailing list for the Guide may be requested by
writing or calling:
Grant and Contract Guide Distribution Center
Telephone: (301) 496—4503
National Institutes of Health
Building 31, Room BBBNlO
Bethesda, Maryland 20205

Office of Grants Inquiries, Division of Research Grants

This office serves as a focal point for information on application
procedures. Application kits and related information may be
obtained by writing or calling:

Office of Grants Inquiries

Telephone: (301) 496-7441

Division of Research Grants

National Institutes of Health

Westwood Building, Room 448

Bethesda, Maryland 20205

Institutional Liaison, Office of Extramural Research and Training, NIH

 

This office serves as the focal point for concerns of the grantee
and contractor community about NIH sponsored research. The office
is also responsible for organizing a limited number of regional
workshops or conferences to disseminate information about NIH
extramural programs and the associated review and award processess.

Information may be obtained by writing or calling:
Institutional Liaison Officer Telephone: (301) 496-1413
Office of Extramural Research and Training
National Institutes of Health
Building 1, Room 105
Bethesda, Maryland 20205

Special Programs Office, Office of Extramural Research and Training, NIH

This office is the focal point for NIH—wide issues involving minority
and women institutions and concerns. Information may be obtained
by writing or calling:
Special Programs Office Telephone: (301) 496-5358
Office of Extramural Research and Training
National Institutes of Health
Building 1, Room 211
Bethesda, Maryland 20205

Office of Communications, Office of the Director, NIH
This office is the focal point for NIH-wide communication activities,

including scientific and public information. It distributes to,
_ and responds to requests for information from the public, the news

35

media, and constituent agencies of the Department of Health and
Human Services.

Information may be obtained by writing or calling:
Office of Communications Telephone: (301) 496-4461
Office of the Director
National Institutes of Health
Building 1, Room 309
Bethesda, Maryland 20205

Institute Information Offices

Each Institute and Division of the NIH maintains an information
office which serves its constituent scientific and lay communities.

Requests for information concerning each of the Institutes and
Divisions of the NIH may be directed to the respective offices:

National Cancer Institute (301) 496-5583

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (301) 496—5343

National Library of Medicine (301) 496-6308

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
(301) 496—5717

National Institute of Arthritis, Metabolism and Digestive
Diseases (301) 496-3583

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
(301) 496-5133

National Institute on Aging (301) 496—1752

National Institute of Dental Research (301) 496—4261

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
(919) 541—3345 ‘

National Institute of General Medical Sciences (301) 496—7301

National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders
and Stroke (301) 496-5751

,National Eye Institute (301) 496-5248

Clinical Center (301) 496-2563

Fogarty International Center (301) 496-4331

Division of Research Resources (301) 496-5545

Division of Research Grants (301) 496-7441

36

U. C BERKELEY LIBRARIES

\IIWIIWIWWIW

CUE-0321.356

 

 

 

 

 

 

NIH Publication No. 80-503

August 1980