The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the major operation components of the Department of Health and Human Services. CDC works to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.

Research Project: People with disabilities comprise the largest minority group in the nation and represent a diverse group that crosses age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status. Disability has been considered a health outcome to be addressed by public health interventions within many public health frameworks rather than consistently viewed as a large and heterogenous group of people to be proactively engaged and purposely integrated into agency efforts. Other demographic variables, such as age, race, and ethnicity, are frequently explored and recognized as associated with long-standing health inequities. Yet, for people with disabilities, similar acknowledgement as a critical population for coordinated federal efforts to reduce health disparities has been limited.

To achieve health equity for all, disability inclusion must be a central component to CDC’s public health approach. Disability inclusion means people with disabilities should have the appropriate resources and opportunities they specifically need to independently live, thrive within their communities, and achieve optimal health. People with disabilities experience multiple types of barriers that, through their absence or presence, promote exclusionary environments that limit a person's function and ultimately create disability. These barriers impact public health’s ability to address social determinants of health for people with disabilities. CDC can collaborate within the agency and externally with other federal agencies, disability organizations, and disability advocates to create a coordinated public health approach and core messaging to address health disparities among people with disabilities. Learning Objectives: The fellow will train with CDC’s Chief Disability Officer and other leadership and staff within the Office of Health Equity (OHE). OHE increases CDC’s capacity to leverage its diverse workforce and engage stakeholders to address health disparities among those populations, such as people with disabilities, experiencing a disproportionate burden of disease and death. Specifically, the fellow will have the opportunity to learn about and enhance their understanding of the health needs experienced by the disability community and ways to address distinct barriers among people with disabilities through informed public health action and messaging (e.g., enhance data metrics, create inclusive programs, improve partnerships, and strengthen cultural competencies within public health workforce). Collectively, the fellow will have opportunities to enhance their scientific, communications, and project management skills by engaging in both group and independent activities.

Mentor(s): The mentor for this opportunity is Tracie Strength-McGaughey (tmd9@cdc.gov). If you have questions about the nature of the research please contact the mentor(s).

Anticipated Appointment Start Date: August/September 2024. Start date is flexible and will depend on a variety of factors.

Appointment Length: The appointment will initially be for one year, but may be renewed upon recommendation of CDC and is contingent on the availability of funds.

Level of Participation: The appointment is full time.

Participant Stipend: Stipend rates may vary based on numerous factors, including opportunity, location, education, and experience. If you are interviewed, you can inquire about the exact stipend rate at that time and if selected, your appointment offer will include the monthly stipend rate.

Citizenship Requirements: This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens only.

ORISE Information: This program, administered by ORAU through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and CDC. Participants do not become employees of CDC, DOE or the program administrator, and there are no employment-related benefits. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE.

The successful applicant(s) will be required to comply with Environmental, Safety and Health (ES&H) requirements of the hosting facility, including but not limited to, COVID-19 requirements (e.g. facial covering, physical distancing, testing, vaccination).

Questions: Please visit our Program Website. After reading, if you have additional questions about the application process please email ORISE.CDC.IOD@orau.org and include the reference code for this opportunity.