The National Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Research Network for Health Services and Health Disparities (The Network) was established in 1996 through a collaboration between the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Office of Research, Demonstration, and Information (ORDI) and HBCUs in Alabama, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas and Washington, DC.  This effort was one of CMSs activities designed to implement the mandate of the President’s Executive Order 12876 (New Order is 13256 – 2/12/02 ).  

The Network is a non-profit organization established for the purpose of promoting opportunities that increase the capacity of HBCUs to develop and conduct quality health services research and outreach activities that address the health needs of African Americans.  The Network has grown from nineteen original HBCU investigators to more than 125.  Represented in this membership are faculty members from 34 HBCUs.  The Network is incorporated in the State of Maryland as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  The organization is governed by by-laws and officially elected officers.