Dear NIH and NIMHD leaders,

As the leader of Salud America!, an organization that promotes health improvement for all people, including Latinos, I believe we need to address the non-medical drivers of health that impact health outcomes. Research shows that many people face issues with non-medical drivers of health, such as language, transportation, and access to healthy food and safe places to play.

Screening patients for the non-medical drivers of health can play a key role in improving patient and community health.

With the growth of the US Latino population, more scientific research is needed to ensure that medical advances work for this population in addition to the general population. Research participation should mirror the demographics of the United States. Building patient trust in the healthcare system is a key activity in this area to help cultivate activities that sustain research efforts into new technologies and practices.

I support the goal of bringing the latest research advances into practice in our clinics, hospitals, and communities, so that efforts to improve health can be enjoyed by all people. Part of this effort could include surveys of local or regional residents to gauge their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding cancer incidence, mortality, and preventable risks; listening sessions with community members to gain understanding of community needs, cancer burden, and people’s experiences with access to healthcare; and design studios where community members and researchers meet and discuss feedback they have on their current research projects.

I appreciate the planning that went into the NIH Minority Health and Health Disparities Strategic Plan 2021-2025.

Recognizing and understanding the health issues that face our populations is a critically important step toward advancing health for all people. Developing tools and strategies to address the non-medical drivers of health can help us make great strides in improving health outcomes for all people, including the Latino population.

Thank you, 

Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, Director, Salud America!