FEATURES
Letter From Dr. Stephen I. Katz: NIAMS Improves Tools to Build Healthy Communities
In this new year, NIAMS is committed to continuing our work to improve the nation’s health and reduce illness and disability through research, training and information dissemination. As part of this commitment, we are taking steps to ensure that the health information we provide will truly make a difference in people’s lives. We are constantly looking for ways to empower organizations and community leaders that serve diverse populations with the health education tools they need.
Image: Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D.
February is African American History Month
African Americans might have an increased risk for certain health conditions, like osteoarthritis and lupus. To help us commemorate African American History Month, take some time and learn more about the health issues that affect African Americans. Share what you learn with your community to help them improve their health and minimize risks.
Volunteers Needed for Clinical Studies in Lupus
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that involves many systems and organs of the body. Symptoms can include fever, joint pains and rashes. Lupus can also damage organs like the kidneys, lungs or brain. Drugs used for lupus can have serious side effects. Also, the drugs don’t help some people. Researchers want to find new, more effective and safe treatments.
- Role of PPAR-y Agonists in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of a commonly used diabetes medication on lupus disease activity. Investigators are testing how this medication can improve blood vessel function and reduce inflammation in people with lupus.
- Safety of Tofacitinib in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- The objective of this study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of a rheumatoid arthritis medication in people with lupus. Investigators will also assess the effects of the medication on blood vessel function in people with lupus.
NEWS AND EVENTS
NIAMS Seeks Summer Interns
The summer program at the NIAMS provides an opportunity for students to spend a summer working side-by-side with some of the world's leading scientists in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. Outstanding opportunities exist for high school, undergraduate, graduate and medical students contemplating careers in biomedical research or academic medicine. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2017.
Image: 2016 summer students with Dr. Robert Walker, Chief of the NIAMS Career Development and Outreach Branch (center, back row), and Dr. Stephanie Mathews, Scientific Program Manager (3rd from left, back row).
All of Us Research Program Announces Funding Opportunity for Community Partners
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently announced a new opportunity for organizations interested in helping engage volunteers in the All of Us Research Program, part of the Precision Medicine Initiative. This funding opportunity, open to national and regional organizations as well as local community groups, will support activities to promote enrollment and retention in the All of Us Research Program across diverse communities.
Gaps in Minority Health and Health Disparities Research
Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, M.D., Director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), recently spoke at the 91st NIAMS Advisory Council meeting. He talked about the importance of including participants from diverse backgrounds in biomedical research to improve health outcomes for different populations. Dr. Pérez-Stable also addressed the urgent need for more diversity in the NIH scientific workforce and described what the NIMHD is doing to address it. Click here to view the full presentation.
Image: Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, M.D., Director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.
FEATURED RESOURCES
Explore NIAMS’ New Community Outreach Website!
The NIAMS is excited to announce the launch of our new Community Outreach Initiative website. The website's purpose is to provide community organizers like you with easy-to-find information that is relevant to the people you serve. This website will connect you with free resources about bones, joints, muscles and skin as you plan your outreach efforts and community events. We organized the information to make it easier for you to find the resources you need to educate your patients and community members. To further help you conduct outreach or promote health messages both in-person and digitally, we have included an e-Toolkit to help you connect with us on several social media platforms. To reflect this change, beginning next issue we are renaming this newsletter the NIAMS Community Outreach Bulletin.
Enhance Your Outreach Materials With Quality Images
Did you know the NIAMS has an online gallery on Flickr? The gallery displays images and abstracts from researchers working in NIAMS labs, scientific images from our different research programs, and images from NIAMS clinical research and publications. Abstracts and related information are searchable, making it easy to find what you need.
Most images in the NIAMS gallery are in the public domain and are free to be used to enhance your community outreach materials and activities. The information associated with each image clearly describes which ones are available for unrestricted use. If you use our public domain images, please credit the NIAMS as the source. You do not need a Flickr or Yahoo! account to view the gallery.