*The UNMC College of Public Health is not currently accredited. Accreditation will be sought once prerequisites are in place.
Center for Reducing Health Disparities
The diversity of the U.S. population is one of its fundamental strengths as a nation. Over the
last several decades, scientific advances have contributed to improving the health and quality of life of many people in the
United States. However, low-income populations, underserved rural populations, and racial and ethnic minority populations
have not benefited from these advances and have a higher prevalence and incidence than the population as a whole of illness
and death due to cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, infant mortality, and other diseases. As a
nation, we must develop strategies and interventions to reduce and ultimately eliminate health disparities among
disadvantaged populations.
Shireen Rajaram, PhD, has accepted the position of interim director of
the Center for Reducing Health Disparities. Shireen is professor of
sociology at UNO. Trained in medical sociology, she brings to this
position an impressive history of research into reducing health
disparities, along with a passionate commitment to achieving results in
the community. Shireen has been the chair of the Department of Sociology
at UNO and holds an appointment in the governing faculty of the CoPH, in
the Department of Health Services Research and Administration. She is
committed to guiding the center through a strategic planning process
that sets a course for achieving new goals in research, service, and
integrating the interests of university-based researchers with
community-based organizations and individuals to reduce health
disparities.
