Clinical trials are a critical resource for the discovery and development of better prevention, diagnostic and treatment methods for diseases. 

People with low income, the elderly, racial/ethnic minorities, women and those who live in rural areas represent the smallest percentage of clinical trial participants. Unfortunately, these same populations also bear a disproportionate burden of disease.  Without adequate representation of these populations in clinical trials, researchers cannot learn about potential differences and barriers among groups and ensure the generalizability of results to the entire U.S. population. For clinical trials to be useful to all populations, individuals from all backgrounds, racial/ethnic groups, ages and locations need to participate.

We will be bringing together patients, healthcare partners, community organizations, and other key stakeholders to examine the issue of increasing the participation of racial/ethnic and other underrepresented groups in clinical trials. Join us as we discuss our collective efforts and involvement with clinical trial accrual and underrepresented populations and contributions to scientific research through and with community participation.

For additional information email us at  sicklecelldisease-illinois@scdai.org.