About ODWD
The primary functions of the ODWD office are to:
- Guide priority-setting for research funding and identify trends and gaps in the areas of mental health disparities, minority mental health, women’s mental health, sexual and gender minority mental health, and mental health in underserved rural communities
- Promote strategies to reduce mental health disparities and increase attention to minority mental health, women’s mental health, sexual and gender minority mental health, and mental health in underserved communities
- Serve as the liaison to external constituents on research issues relevant to mental health disparities, minority mental health, women’s mental health, sexual and gender minority mental health, and mental health in underserved rural communities
- Support the development and maintenance of a diverse, multidisciplinary mental health research workforce through initiatives and funding mechanisms that aim to enhance inclusive excellence and full participation of promising mental health researchers from across the United States, including those from groups that are underrepresented in the biomedical and behavioral health research workforce
The office works closely with the NIMH Center for Global Mental Health Research (CGMHR) to address disparities in low- and middle-income countries. The office also works closely with the NIMH Office of Rural Mental Health Research to address the mental health needs of people living in rural areas.
Director
Christina P.C. Borba, Ph.D., M.P.H.
Office for Disparities Research and Workforce Diversity
6001 Executive Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20892
301-827-1165, christina.borba@nih.gov
Deputy Director
Lauren D. Hill, Ph.D.
Office for Disparities Research and Workforce Diversity
6001 Executive Blvd., Bethesda, MD 20892
301-443-2638, hillla@mail.nih.gov