title: Strengthening the network of mentored, underrepresented minority scientists and leaders to reduce HIV-related health disparities.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We reviewed data for the Minority HIV/AIDS Research Initiative (MARI), which was established in 2003 to support underrepresented minority scientists performing HIV prevention research in highly affected communities.
  
  
  METHODS
  MARI was established at the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control as a program of competitively awarded, mentored grants for early career researchers conducting HIV prevention research in highly affected racial/ethnic and sexual minority communities. We have described progress from 2003 to 2013.
  
  
  RESULTS
  To date, MARI has mentored 27 scientist leaders using low-cost strategies to enhance the development of effective HIV prevention interventions. These scientists have (1) developed research programs in disproportionately affected communities of color, (2) produced first-authored peer-reviewed scientific and programmatic products (including articles and community-level interventions), and (3) obtained larger, subsequent funding awards for research and programmatic work related to HIV prevention and health disparities work.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The MARI program demonstrates how to effectively engage minority scientists to conduct HIV prevention research and reduce racial/ethnic investigator disparities and serves as a model for programs to reduce disparities in other public health areas in which communities of color are disproportionately affected.
authors.affiliation: At the time of the study, all authors were with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, Atlanta, GA.
authors.forename: Madeline Y
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Sutton
authors.forename: Yzette A
authors.initials: YA
authors.lastname: Lanier
authors.forename: Leigh A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Willis
authors.forename: Ted
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Castellanos
authors.forename: Ken
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Dominguez
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Fitzpatrick
authors.forename: Kim S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D002487:Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.; D019058:Community Networks / Q000191:economics; D005260:Female; D005380:Financing, Government; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D008913:Minority Groups; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012108:Research Personnel; D014481:United States