A Black Congresswoman is Championing Diverse Clinical Trials

In an October roundtable discussion hosted by Illinois Congresswoman Robin Kelly at La Rabida Children’s Hospital in Chicago, IL, health care leaders gathered to address a pressing issue: the lack of diversity in clinical trials. This critical oversight has far-reaching implications for the health and well-being of marginalized communities. “Communities of color are disproportionately affected by diseases and cancer, yet we are often overlooked in research trials,” Rep. Kelly emphasized. “We need to do better. It’s a matter of life and death.” The roundtable discussion featured updates from health care professionals representing leading organizations, including MRCT Center of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard, Cancer Support Community, Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, Genentech, Howard Brown Health-Sheridan, Bristol Myers Squibb, Walgreens Boots Alliance, City of Hope Chicago, and ATW Health Solutions. Government partners from the Illinois Department of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services, and NIH also attended. The discussion focused on the challenges that prevent diverse clinical trials, including a history of distrust within the Black community stemming from unethical research practices. Stakeholders shared strategies to build trust and increase participation, such as implementing education programs and diversifying the scientific and medical workforce. Historically, Black individuals have been disproportionately...