PROJECT SUMMARY Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles are at the core of the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study. While some DEI initiatives have been implemented in HBCD, we propose an expansion of our efforts that would create a central leadership structure and strategic plan for DEI. Similarly, recruitment and retention of an appropriately representative sample of diverse families is essential to the success of HBCD. However, a dedicated leadership team to monitor for and intervene on these key study metrics is needed. There is a need and an important opportunity to develop strong leadership teams to address both DEI and recruitment and retention in the HBCD Study in order to meet study objectives. This supplement is designed to enact a comprehensive plan to address both DEI and recruitment and retention monitoring within HBCD. The supplement will provide support for four key components of such a plan: 1) New leadership within the Administrative Core of HBCD with DEI expertise and administrative support for promotion of DEI efforts, 2) Working Group engagement to carry out DEI strategic plans, 3) New leadership within the Administrative Core of HBCD to oversee and coordinate recruitment and retention efforts, 4) Recruitment and Retention Monitoring efforts to provide in-depth analysis and responsive interventions to ensure study targets are being met.

PROJECT NARRATIVE This proposal is designed to enhance the infusion of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles throughout the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study through leadership expansion, DEI training, education, and evaluation of best practices. This proposal is also designed to ensure that recruitment and retention of the appropriately representative and diverse study sample is achieved and maintained through leadership expansion and establishment of a metrics committee. The HBCD Consortium Administrative Core will appoint Associate Directors of DEI and Recruitment and Retention with appropriate experience who will each lead and expand on the coordinated efforts already underway within HBCD.