Medical and scientific advances have introduced new opportunities for the continued improvement of health for all Americans. However, in spite of notable improvements gained as a result of the advancement of knowledge through basic and applied research, diagnostics and treatment, there continues to be an alarming disproportionate burden of illness among minority and medically underserved populations. NIH’s mission of “uncovering new knowledge that will lead to better health for everyone” lays the foundation for the overall goal of understanding the causes of health disparities and for developing effective interventions to eliminate these disparities.