Center for Health Disparities Research (CHDR)

The Center for Health Disparities Research (CHDR) launched in 2021. We bring together experts from different fields—like medicine, basic science, social science, and public policy—to better understand how our environments and life experiences affect our health.

Under the direction of Associate Dean for Social Health Sciences and Programs Amy Kind, MD, PhD, CHDR is part of the Office of Social Health Sciences and Programs at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.

Our Mission

We focus on high-impact research that addresses health disparities—differences in health that affect disadvantaged groups. Our goals are to:

• Support strong and meaningful research,
• Encourage collaboration among researchers,
• Highlight the work of health disparities experts, and
• Help create better and more equal health outcomes for all.

Our Research

CHDR leads the nation in life-course social exposome research, competing on a national scale for top-tier NIH funding and housing infrastructure found nowhere else in the U.S.

The Neighborhoods Study
NIH/NIA R01AG070883
PI: Amy Kind, Barbara Bendlin

The Neighborhood Atlas & Area Deprivation Index (ADI)

Swallowing and Salivary Bioscience Lab

PI: Nicole Rogus-Pulia, PhD, CCC-SLP

Our Impact

CHDR’s work has helped secure federal funding for studies on how our environment affects health. We’ve also been recognized as a leader in making health data more accessible. Our research helped shape the new health equity rankings by U.S. News & World Report.

We work with industry partners, government agencies, and local communities to develop tools and solutions that improve health—especially for specific groups or health conditions.