Richard T. Benson, MD, PhD, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), Bethesda, MD, discusses the NINDS health equity strategic plan, which has been in development for the past two years. This plan aims to help guide the funding initiatives and future projects over the next five to ten years. Dr Benson describes that part of the process involved a workshop, which brought many speakers in to discuss the issues in health equity and neurological diseases. Data was also acquired from the public to further understand public perspectives of areas of disparity in neurological diseases. Dr Benson also describes the utilization of a steering committee of experts from across the US; they helped direct the points required when considering health equity. An overarching theme was that early community engagement was critical; having a relationship with the community allows for the enrollment of individuals from diverse backgrounds for clinical trials and provides an avenue for presenting findings to the public. This interview took place at the American Academy of Neurology 2022 Congress in Seattle, WA.
