Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development (EQBMED) has announced the selection of four new clinical trial sites to expand clinical trial participation among communities of color and rural populations. This initiative aims to address significant barriers that have historically limited the involvement of these communities in medical research.
The new sites include Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Health 360x, which brings in 35 additional sites across 14 states; Southside Medical Center in Atlanta, Georgia, in collaboration with Ocean Management Services; and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Minority Health & Health Equity Research Center in Birmingham, Alabama.
Addressing Barriers to Clinical Trial Participation
EQBMED's expansion focuses on tackling several key barriers that impede clinical trial participation, such as limited access to trial sites, historical mistrust, misinformation, and a general lack of information about clinical trials within these communities. By increasing the number of accessible sites and engaging directly with communities, EQBMED aims to foster greater trust and understanding.
Peter Embí, MD, MS, FACP, FACMI, FIAHSI, EQBMED Network Partner Leader and Professor of Biomedical Informatics and Medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, emphasized the importance of this expansion. "Health 360x’s integration of technology, deep community ties, and focus on workforce capacity building aligns seamlessly with EQBMED’s mission," said Dr. Embí. "By expanding our clinical trial network and engaging the communities they serve, we can foster greater diversity in clinical research."
Collaborative Leadership
This initiative is led by a collaborative partnership including Yale School of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, the Research Centers in Minority Institutions Coordinating Center (RCMI-CC) at Morehouse School of Medicine, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. This reflects a community-centered commitment to ensuring clinical trials are both accessible and sustainable for all populations.
