Addressing Health Disparities through Neuroscience: Fundamental Mechanisms of Traumatic Brain Injury and Implications for Health Disparities Research

September 11, 2013, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Sponsor/Co-Sponsor(s)

Office of Health Equity (OHE), Office of the Director (OD), NICHD; National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism; National Institute on Drug Abuse; National Institute of Mental Health

Location

6100 Executive Boulevard, 5th Floor Conference Room, Rockville, Maryland

Purpose

The Addressing Health Disparities through Neuroscience series aims to increase awareness of health disparities issues as they relate to neuroscience through a collegial discussion between two renowned scientists on a shared topic. The goal of this seminar is to explore the functional activity or mechanisms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that may exist in different populations. The discussion will highlight opportunities in neuroscience and related research aimed towards addressing these disparities.

At least 1.7 million TBIs occur every year either as an isolated injury or in conjunction with other injuries. Approximately 500,000 emergency department visits for TBI are made annually by children ages 0 to 14 years. TBI among young children increases risks for adverse cognitive, academic, behavioral, and social outcomes, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities and low-income populations. In 2010, TBI-related health care costs accounted for an estimated $76.5 billion in both direct medical and indirect costs, such as loss of productivity, in the United States. An estimated one-third (30.5%) of all injury-related deaths in the United States are associated with TBI, with significantly higher rates of TBI-related deaths among racial and ethnic minorities than among Caucasians.

To date, research focusing on these disparities tends to center around availability of appropriate healthcare services and employment opportunities for those with TBI.

Speakers for this seminar include:

  • Barry Jordan External Web Site Policy, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Brain Injury Program, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, White Plains, New York 
  • Shari Wade External Web Site Policy, Ph.D., Director of Research, Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center

For more information

Contact

Dr. Della Brown White, OHE, OD, NICHD
Tel: (301) 435-2712
Email: whitede@mail.nih.gov  

Please note: Views expressed during NICHD-sponsored events do not necessarily reflect the opinions or the official positions of NICHD, NIH, or HHS.
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