"The first ODS strategic plan, developed in 1998, provided a sound basis for program development and support of ODS activities related to conduct of basic and clinical research, development of education and communication programs directed to all segments of the public and private sectors with an interest in dietary supplements. But times have changes and another leap forward is needed", said Paul Coates, Ph.D., ODS Director.

In 2003, ODS initiated a strategic planning process involving several efforts to obtain input on future needs and opportunities from the ODS constituency including the public. The goals and initiatives presented in this plan for 2004-2009, just as those developed in the original plan in 1998, emphasize the important role of ODS in research on disease prevention and health promotion, education, and communication of scientific information about dietary supplements.

The ODS Strategic Plan for 2004-2009 incorporates the vision and thrust of the recently published HHS Strategic Plan for 2004-2009 and the NIH Roadmap. ODS is committed to furthering the guiding principles and goals developed by its parent organizations. The new strategic plan includes ongoing evaluation of existing ODS programs, needs for new programs, and prioritization of resource allocation. This effort, initiated in 2004, will include annual consultative meetings with representatives of the ODS constituency and formation of an ODS Steering Group.

"I commend the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements in looking to the future and leading the way in the field of dietary supplement research," says NIH Director, Elias A. Zerhouni, M.D.

"ODS has made significant progress in advancing the recognition of the need for and the conduct of quality scientific research on dietary supplements. In addition, these efforts have increased markedly the availability of objective evidence-based information useful to the public in making decisions about efficacy and safety of dietary supplements. The ODS strategic plan for 2004-2009 provides a roadmap intended to catalyze research that will expand the scientific knowledge base to improve health of the public," said Paul Coates, Ph.D, ODS Director.

The ODS Strategic Plan for 2004-2009 is available on the ODS Web site (http://ods.od.nih.gov/strategicplan2004). Copies of the printed version will be available later this year. Check the Web site for information on how to receive a copy (http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/).

The Office of Dietary Supplements was established at NIH in November 1995 as a result of the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act passed by Congress in 1994. The mission of ODS is to strengthen knowledge and understanding of dietary supplements by evaluating scientific information, stimulating and supporting research, disseminating research results, and educating the public to foster an enhanced quality of life and health for the U.S. population. For additional information about ODS, please visit http://dietary-supplements.info.nih.gov/.

The Office of the Director is a component of the National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.