HEAL March Research Challenge: Exploring Health Inequality

The Health Education Access League (HEAL) is proud to announce our March Research Challenge, dedicated to one of the most urgent issues in modern medicine: health inequality.

Across communities and countries, access to healthcare is not equal. From disparities in maternal mortality to gaps in mental health services, millions of people face barriers to the care they deserve. This month, we’re inviting students to explore these challenges through thoughtful, evidence-based research.

What Can You Research?

Participants may submit a formal research paper or literature review examining any topic related to health inequity. Possible areas include:

• Disparities in access to healthcare

• Racial or socioeconomic health gaps

• Global health inequality

• Maternal mortality

• Environmental health injustice

• Mental health access disparities

• Or any related topic you are passionate about

If it connects to inequitable health outcomes, we want to read about it.

Publication & Peer Review

All submissions will undergo a peer-review process to ensure academic rigor and quality. Accepted papers will be published on the HEAL website, helping amplify youth-driven research and raise awareness about critical healthcare issues.

This is more than a competition; it’s an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to conversations about healthcare access and reform.

First-Place Award

The top submission will receive:

• A featured spotlight on the HEAL website and social media platforms

• A $30 gift card of the winner’s choice

• An official HEAL endorsement and letter of recommendation (upon request)

Research Support: Partnership with MARS

To help students strengthen their academic research skills, HEAL is partnering with the Medical Association of Research Scholars (MARS). Throughout March, MARS will host two virtual research seminars covering:

• Choosing a focused research topic

• Conducting academic database research

• Structuring and organizing a literature review

• Proper MLA citation formatting

Students interested in attending the MARS seminars must complete the seminar registration form (linked on our website).

Submission Requirements

To qualify, submissions must meet the following criteria:

• Maximum 2,000 words

• MLA format (12-point Times New Roman, double-spaced, 1-inch margins)

• Proper in-text citations and a Works Cited page

• Minimum of 5 scholarly sources (peer-reviewed journals preferred)

• Submitted as a PDF document

First-Place Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for first place, students must:

• Be a member of the HEAL Slack community

• Follow HEAL on Instagram or TikTok

Deadline

All submissions are due by March 31st at 11:59 PM.

You can submit your project through the submission form on our website.

Health inequality is one of the defining challenges of our generation. We are excited to see the thoughtful research, innovative ideas, and powerful solutions students will bring to this important issue.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Let’s work together to make healthcare more equitable for all.