On May 22, 2023, APA provided comments (PDF, 435KB)opens in new window in response to a request for information on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Disease Prevention (ODP) Strategic Plan for Fiscal Years 2024–2028opens in new window, Prevention Research: Creating a Healthier Future for All.
APA Chief Science Officer Mitch Prinstein, PhD, applauded NIH and ODP for the strategic plan’s priority to monitor NIH’s investment in prevention research. He pointed to the need for prevention when it comes to ongoing health conditions, many of which are preventable, including obesity, substance use disorders, heart disease, and diabetes, among others. He also emphasized that strategic investment in evidence-based prevention programs can provide tremendous returns in monetary savings and spare millions of people from serious diseases and conditions.
Prinstein noted that there are still many gaps and opportunities for prevention research that need to be addressed by NIH. For example, identifying the most effective and cost-efficient prevention strategies for different populations and settings is crucial to ensure that prevention research can help optimize the allocation of resources and improve health equity.
One of ODP’s goals, as outlined by the proposed strategic plan, is to identify prevention research areas for investment or expanded effort by NIH. Prinstein commended ODP for this critical objective and agreed that this is an essential objective for the NIH-wide plan, especially mental health, which plays a crucial role in the overall health of individuals and communities. He stressed that the goal recognizes NIH’s critical role in supporting prevention research through its funding mechanisms, infrastructure, partnerships, and leadership.
The association’s comments commended ODP for its critical objective to address inadequately funded areas of prevention research. Working across the NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices, and with other partners, will allow NIH to identify and support the most promising prevention research gaps. APA emphasized that it is vital to identify psychological research and mental health prevention research areas for investment.
The association stressed that prevention research related to youth mental health is a critical identified gap that needs additional investment. Accordingly, APA encouraged NIH to take a population-based approach to youth mental health, including establishing community-based infrastructure to ensure access to primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention and intervention strategies in the settings where youth naturally spend their time.
APA’s comments drew from scientists working with Prinstein to draft a research agenda designed to implement a primary mental health model of care. They echo the association’s March 1, 2023, response to ODP’s request for information regarding interventions and programs centered on social determinants of health that can prevent mental disorders in populations with health disparities.
For more information, contact Angela L. Sharpe.