Disparities in Immunity May Be Linked to the Social Determinants of Health

The national fight to eradicate health disparities has often focused on structural concerns such as a lack of access to quality care and the dangers of toxic environments. Research has confirmed the relationship between the extreme stress of poverty and the risk of disease. But to a great degree, the exact pathway between extraordinary life challenges and disease has remained a mystery.

Two Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Health & Society Scholars, Allison Aiello and Jennifer Dowd joined Sheldon Cohen, a professor of psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, to explain one possible map for that pathway at their recent symposium, the Social Determinants of Susceptibility: At the Intersection of Social and Infectious Epidemiology, held at Columbia University. Their work asks: When people are exposed to the same infectious agents, who gets sick and why?

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Bridging the Oral Health Care Gap

More providers, better access to public transportation and providers who can treat Medicaid patients are needed to bridge gaps in care in rural and underserved communities, writes Monique Trice, a graduate of the RWJF Summer Medical and Dental Education Program.

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About the Human Capital Portfolio

We prepare health professionals for leadership, support scholars in their research, and promote diversity in order to build a skilled health care workforce ready to address the health, cost and quality challenges facing the nation.

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In the 2000s, the number of #RNs grew 24% and the number of LPNs grew 15.5%.

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The Future of Nursing: Campaign for Action

Campaign for Action, organized by RWJF in collaboration with AARP, is an initiative to advance comprehensive health care change. The campaign addresses challenges confronting nursing to help transform the health care system.

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Current Calls for Proposals

Now accepting applications for the RWJF Health & Society Scholars program. Deadline: September 20, 2013

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RWJF Human Capital News

Read all the latest about the work of RWJF Scholars and Fellows.

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Learn about RWJF Human Capital Programs

Explore Human Capital Programs at www.RWJFLeaders.org.

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