"The University of New Mexico has unveiled a multimillion-dollar plan to create a think tank that will put Hispanic and Native scholars at the forefront of the national debate on health policy issues.
�We are delighted to create a center that will one day strongly influence health policy in this country,� said acting UNM President David Harris.
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation officials have given the university an $18.5 million grant - the largest private gift in UNM history - to establish a national center for health policy at the university. The center aims to help Native and Hispanic students who are pursuing doctoral programs in the social sciences.
�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,� said Risa Lavizzo-Mourey, the foundation president. �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.�
Charlene Porsild, program manager for the Robert Wood Johnson Center for Health Policy, will be searching the country for doctoral students. Candidates will be eligible for $22,000 annual scholarships. Students will be able to choose courses of study existing within UNM's political science, economics and sociology programs.
�We can recruit Hispanics, we have so many in the pipeline already,� said Porsild. �The biggest challenge is going to be finding Native Americans. We just don't have that many in master's programs who are going that direction.�"
Get the Story:Jodi Rave: Think tank to look at U.S. health strategies (The Missoulian 1/15) Relevant Links:
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