title: Introduction: the case for diversity in research on mental health and HIV/AIDS.
abstract: This introductory article provides background and sets the stage for the mentoring programs described in this special supplement. The goal of these programs is to develop scientists from racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in the area of HIV/AIDS research on issues related to mental health. We describe recent epidemiological trends associated with HIV infection in diverse populations, the need for mentoring programs to study disparities, and the ongoing mentoring programs supported by the National Institutes of Health targeting investigators underrepresented in the workforce. We also provide a summary of the content of the articles to follow. We conclude with a comment on future needs and actions.
authors.affiliation: Center for Mental Health Researchon AIDS, National Institute of Mental Health, 6001 Executive Blvd, Bethesda, MD 20892-9619, USA. dstoff@nih.gov
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Stoff
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Forsyth
authors.forename: Ernest D
authors.initials: ED
authors.lastname: Marquez
authors.forename: Shelia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McClure
mesh_terms: D018864:Cultural Diversity; D040381:Education, Public Health Professional; D005006:Ethnicity; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D008611:Mentors; D011634:Public Health; D044469:Racial Groups; D012108:Research Personnel / Q000639:trends; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology