Health Equity Research
Innovative research to ensure quality care for all communities.
Novant Health is committed to developing evidence-based approaches to investigate and address health disparities, health inequities and social determinants of health. Our health-equity research program uses the diverse perspectives of clinicians, academics and community experts throughout the research process. Our research covers a lot of different areas to ensure we help everyone we serve live a healthier life; to date, it’s touched on topics including maternal and child health, clinical decision-making, rural health access, patient- provider communication, and more.
What is Health Equity Research?
Health equity research investigates how different social structures, such as environmental conditions and economic systems, contribute to health disparities among different populations. It also seeks to discover and highlight unique strengths that are often undervalued. Health equity researchers use this knowledge, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs and policies, to promote fair and improved health outcomes for all communities.
If you are a Novant Health team member and are interested in conducting health equity research, please contact HealthEquityResearch@novanthealth.org to learn more about our services.
Novant Health’s Partnership with UNC
Novant Health has partnered with the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Medicine as part of our commitment to advance health equity research in North Carolina. This affiliation aims to bring research opportunities to Southeastern North Carolina (including New Hanover, Pender, Columbus, Bladen and Brunswick counties), which has been historically underserved for clinical and health equity research. The Health Equity Research Advisory Council (HERAC) represents a collaborative effort to advise on and support health equity research in Southeastern North Carolina.
One of the key opportunities our affiliation has sponsored includes the Promoting Health Equity Research in Southeastern North Carolina award, which offers up to $50,000 for collaborative NH-UNC research addressing health equity in Southeastern North Carolina twice a year. We have currently funded twelve projects as a result of this partnership.
Faculty Collaboration Database
If you are a researcher or community group interested in collaborating Novant Health and UNC investigators to promote research in Southeastern North Carolina, search our Faculty Collaboration Database, or contact HealthEquityResearch@novanthealth.org.