Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, University of New Mexico To Open Center Aimed at Increasing Minority Participation in Health Policy Field
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the University of New Mexico are establishing a Center for Health Policy, which seeks to prepare minorities for careers in the health policy field, the Albuquerque Journal reports. With an $18.5 million grant from RWJF, the center aims to have 100 students complete the doctoral program within five years (Jadrnak, Albuquerque Journal, 1/11). The center, whose goal is to increase the number of Hispanics and American Indians in the health policy field, will be fully established in fall 2007 (RWJF/UMN joint release, 1/11). RWJF hopes the center will help the university be as recognized for health policy expertise as Harvard University and Johns Hopkins University, John Lumpkin, senior vice president of RWJF, said (Albuquerque Journal, 1/11). RWJF President and CEO Risa Lavizzo-Mourey said, "To create the best health care services for all Americans, the country needs a diverse group of leaders in Washington and in academic circles who represent the interests, cultures and needs of this incredibly diverse nation," adding, "When it comes to health, one size does not fit all. We need to nurture and support a new generation of health policy leaders with diverse perspectives." University of New Mexico acting President David Harris said, "We are delighted to be given the opportunity by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to create a center that will one day strongly influence health policy in this country" (RWJF/UNM joint release, 1/11).
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