Both Higginbotham and Atkinson know that Project EXPORT is just the beginning of years of research and work needed to reduce health disparities in Alabama's Black Belt.

"A lot of these conditions are preventable or treatable, but prevention is the key," Atkinson says. "You're not going to see any immediate returns in these areas because it's going to take years to see a decline in any incidences and prevalences of these conditions."

Atkinson cites an alarming increase in Type 2 diabetes among minority teenagers. Research shows that much of the increase is due to an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. He cautions that changes in the level of Type 2 diabetes won't be seen until educational efforts aimed at adults and teenagers focus on good eating habits and regular exercise.

"This is really the only way that I see it can be done—prevention as opposed to curative medicine," he continues. "We have no control over access to medical care in the Black Belt, but we do have some control over education and the dissemination of information. I think to a great extent the health disparities can be attributed to a lack of information."

Higginbotham agrees. "It is only when we work together as individuals, communities, universities and with government that we can eliminate disparities, eliminate disgraces and realize social justice. It's going to take us all."