The Interdisciplinary Research Consortium on Health Disparities (IRCHD) is dedicated to eliminating health disparities. Our mission centers on the dissemination of information that will be useful for researchers in the field, as well as the community.
-
About
IRCHD Mission Statement
The Interdisciplinary Research Consortium on Health Disparities (IRCHD) aims to eliminate minority health disparities that are reflective of the community’s issues and needs, by developing a series of educational programs based on a cooperative research effort. By incorporating varying perspectives, we seek to avoid simplistic assumptions or conclusions about race. We contend that socioeconomic and biologic explanations do not fully explain health disparities, and that consideration must be given to the transactional effects of culture, location, region, access, clinical needs, preference and appropriateness of potential interventions for individuals and populations.
IRCHD Goals
We aim to conduct research studies with the community to identify sources of minority health disparities and to implement interventions to eliminate them.
We aim to serve as a model for developing research community-based collaborations among researchers across disciplines and institutions.
History
The Interdisciplinary Research Consortium on Health Disparities (IRCHD) was formed in January 2008. Initially, the IRCHD consisted of junior faculty, post docs, and advanced graduate students. Non-academic community members were also members of the group. Senior faculty members serve as mentors to the group. Based in the metro Detroit area, members of the IRCHD came from various research institutions (Wayne State University, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Oakland University and Michigan State University).
Early IRCHD Members: Back Row (left-right) Sheretta Butler-Barnes, Ph.D., Eric Mayes, Ph.D., Charlotte Winston, M.A., and Denise Cunningham.
Front Row (left-right) Sharon Mills-Wisneski, Ph.D., Donyell Coleman, Ph.D., and Bibia Redd, M.A.The IRCHD is entering a new stage of development in 2010. Stay tuned.
