Membership Policies & Application

INSTITUTE FOR THE ELIMINATION OF HEALTH DISPARITIES

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Membership Policy and Procedures

Mission and Vision
The UMDNJ-Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities (IEHD) is a broad-based partnership dedicated to the elimination of health disparities through research, education, advocacy, and collaboration. The Institute as part of the UMDNJ-School of Public Health is a statewide Center of Excellence that will bring together the many programs relevant to the elimination of health disparities. The Institute’s vision is to provide national leadership to ensure equality in health care and wellness.

IEHD Membership Committee
The IEHD Membership Committee is comprised of the Executive Director and representatives of the Institute’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Board, Science Planning and Review Board and Community Advisory Board. The IEHD Membership Committee reviews recommendations for membership and approves appointments by a majority vote. Each member of the IEHD Membership Committee shall have one vote.

Membership
Membership in the Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities (IEHD) connotes a commitment to the elimination of health disparities through research, education, advocacy, and collaboration. Membership in the Institute requires commitment to the mission of IEHD.

All membership is subject to review and approval by the IEHD Membership Committee every three years. Nomination for membership of any individual or organization shall be considered no more than twice each calendar year. There shall be no limitation or discrimination for membership in the Institute because of race, ethnicity, sexual preference, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability.

Members are those who work primarily in areas related to health disparities or who have an appointment at any of the eight UMDNJ schools, affiliated institutions, community organizations or on the Institute’s advisory boards. Members have full voting privileges.

Membership shall be considered in two categories. These categories are Individual Membership and Organizational Membership. An Individual Membership consists of an academic membership or a non-academic membership. Academic memberships are members primarily engaged in scholarly, clinical or community activities whose fundamental focus is consonant with the IEHD mission. Non-academic memberships are members engaged in clinical, public policy or community activities external to the academy. OrganizationalMemberships are any organizations that have activities relating to eliminating health disparities.

All members are expected to take an active part in IEHD activities and meetings and may be called upon to make presentations at committee, professional, and governmental meetings. Members are also expected to participate in collaborative activities with the Institute.

Membership is conferred for a three year period and is reviewed by the Executive Director and the IEHD Membership Committee regarding renewal. Criteria for appointment will be based on participation and contributions to the elimination of health disparities, as well as, among others, the following:

1. leadership in eliminating health disparities;
2. continued contribution to the programs of the Institute for the Elimination of Health Disparities at a level similar to that initially required for admission to membership;
3. participation as a representative of a constituency or organization;
4. representative of local or state government involved in health disparities;
5. participation in policymaking that impacts on the elimination of health disparities;
6. publication of original research related to health disparities;
7. research or grant and contract support from federal, state or private entities on health disparities;
8. participation in scientific conferences and committees on health disparities at the national and international level;
9. receipt of awards, honors, or other professional recognition at the state, national or international level, including service as officers of national or international scientific or academic organizations on health disparities;
10. supervision of graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and clinical research fellows whose efforts are directly related to the mission of the Institute;
11. participation in clinical research relating to health disparities;
12. providing services to populations impacted by health disparities;

It is not mandatory for members to meet all criteria; reasonable criteria are determined by the Executive Director and the IEHD Membership Committee.

INSTITUTE FOR THE ELIMINATION OF HEALTH DISPARITIES MEMBER BENEFITS

1. Updates on health disparities activities – programs, conferences, funding activities
2. Invitations to UMDNJ events, seminars
3. Collaboration with IEHD on grants, interventions, conferences, etc.
4. Linkage between UMDNJ and external organizations necessary to eliminate health disparities
5. Letters of support for relevant activities
6. Resource for information and expertise on health disparities
7. Opportunities for student fieldwork at UMDNJ and community organizations
8. Funding when available for pilot projects
9. Assistance with editorial and publications