CHICAGO —A unique clinical research education event produced by the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP) and supported by local research teams, advocacy groups, and a consortium of pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies will be held on Thursday, July 16. Called “AWARE for All”, the online event is free and open to the public and will take place from 4 – 6 p.m. CST via a customized, secure online platform.
Today, minority populations are under-represented in clinical trials. The FDA recently showcased the demographic characteristics of study volunteers in clinical trials for drugs that gained approval in 2019. Of the 46,391 participants, nine percent of study volunteers were Black/African American, the same percentage were Asian, and 18 percent were Hispanic. This lack of representation results in inequities in our health care system and the effectiveness of new therapies.
“Clinical research education and awareness is even more critical today – especially among diverse, underserved communities,” says Dr. Karriem S. Watson, DHS, MS, MPH, Associate Executive Director, Mile Square Health Center UI Health, Associate Director, Community Outreach and Engagement UI Cancer Center at UIC and the overview presenter at the online AWARE event. “Now is the time to ensure that new therapies are developed that reflect our diverse population here in Chicago. This program is an important way to learn about ways we can all take part – whether that’s through helping to design clinical trials or monitoring the groups that design these studies – or by participating in clinical research as study volunteers. These are all ways to help improve public health and eliminate health disparities.”
This interactive, online program on July 16 features memory exercises and mindful meditation, a panel discussion with patients and researchers that focuses on clinical research experiences, health advocacy and equity, COVID-19 research, oncology, and cardiovascular health; and there will be an online virtual reality exhibit fair launching on July 10 that features educational resources from local health and research organizations.
Anyone can register for the free online event on Eventbrite and learn more at awareforall.org or by calling 877-633-4376.
AWARE event planning committee and local supporters includes the AWARE Industry Consortium, Peer Plus, Rush Institute for Translational Medicine, Allergy and Asthma Network, Aurora Advocate Health, Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative, Equal Hope, Force Medical, Georgia Doty Comprehensive Health, Great Lakes Clinical Trials, JDRF, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Lupus Society of Illinois, Northwestern Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center, NUCATS, SOAAR/Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research, Susan G. Komen, UIC Cancer Center and Drugviu.
About CISCRP
The Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to engaging the public and patients as partners in the clinical research process. CISCRP provides free education and outreach to the general public and patient communities. Visit www.CISCRP.org for more information or to participate in CISCRP’s educational initiatives. For additional questions about AWARE for All, contact awareforall@ciscrp.org or call 877-633-4376.
