Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility Resources

The American Brain Coalition (ABC) applauds the Biden Administration for taking important steps to achieve equity across all areas of the federal government. Specifically, the ABC looks forward to the implementation of Department of Health and Human Services Action plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities, A Nation Free of Disparities in Health and Health Care. Health disparities are prevalent across health care and public health, including brain health and the COVID-19 pandemic starkly highlighted what many of us have known all along—minority populations often lack access to adequate health care and experience poor health outcomes. For example, members of racial and ethnic minority populations are less likely to receive necessary mental health care. 

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The ABC supports the Department’s goals to encourage enrollment in affordable health care programs in communities of color. Access to adequate and affordable health care is paramount for individuals impacted by brain and central nervous system disorders. Additionally, the ABC is grateful the plan addresses the need to promote data on racially and ethnically diverse communities in scientific research, making it more likely that groundbreaking scientific advances will benefit all populations.

As part of ABC’s mission to advance the understanding of the functions of the brain, and to reduce the burden of brain disorders through education, public advocacy, and outreach, the ABC is dedicated to reducing the burden of illness, injury, disability and mortality among minority populations and older adults. In all we do, the ABC is working toward the elimination of health disparities, whether resulting from race/ethnicity, economic status, or stigma against brain disorders. We look forward to serving as a resource to the Biden Administration and HHS as they advance policies toward our shared goal of achieving health equity.