Statement on opportunities for advancing LGBT health research

In March 2011, the Institute of Medicine issued its report of the NIH commissioned study on The Health of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People: Building a Foundation for Better Understanding. At that time, I asked the NIH institutes, centers, and offices (ICOs) to form the NIH LGBT Research Coordinating Committee (RCC). I charged this committee to consider carefully the report's recommendations and to suggest strategies for how the ICOs can support research to increase the knowledge base for promoting the health of the LGBT community. I am pleased to say that the RCC has fulfilled their charge. I thank them for their thoughtful analysis of the NIH portfolio on LGBT research and for identifying several important opportunities for promoting research and knowledge in LGBT health. The NIH is now developing a multi-pronged plan to implement a number of these opportunities to extend and advance the knowledge base for promoting LGBT health. Key elements of this plan can be found in the Plans for Advancing LGBT Health Research document under More Information.

Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D.
Director, National Institutes of Health