Bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) to increase investments in schools researching minority health disparities recently received unanimous U.S. Senate approval and advanced to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.
“This is the data we need to move forward with solutions we know will work to improve health outcomes in underserved communities,” Sen. Cassidy said. “Universities like Xavier in Louisiana are doing great research in this area. This legislation supports their efforts.”
The John Lewis National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Research Endowment Revitalization Act of 2021, S. 320, was sponsored in February by Sen. Cassidy with cosponsor U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI). It would expand eligibility for research endowments available through the NIMHD to include former centers of excellence at health professional schools and biomedical and behavioral research institutions that meet criteria related to the inclusion of underrepresented minority individuals in programs and activities, according to a bill summary.
The House on March 12 received S. 320 from the Senate and likely will refer it for consideration to the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee, which is considering the identical H.R. 189, introduced on Jan. 5 by U.S. Reps. Buddy Carter (R-GA) and Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA).
“As a doctor who worked in Louisiana’s charity hospital system and now a senator, providing quality health care to underserved communities is a priority,” said Sen. Cassidy last month.