Recently, Amgen collaborated with Black Health Matters (BHM) in Atlanta at its annual Winter Summit and Expo. The event focused on improving the physical and emotional well-being of the Black community. Black Health Matters (BHM) is a prominent organization that offers comprehensive health and wellness information to the Black community, working closely with medical experts, industry partners, and sponsors to provide evidence-based resources. The Summit attracted over 600 participants, including community members, healthcare professionals, industry partners, and local organizations, who engaged in discussions on various health topics and received free health screenings such as chemistry panels, cholesterol checks, and mammograms. The Summit aimed to empower the Black community to advocate for their own health.
While almost 40% of Americans belong to racial or ethnic minorities, individuals participating in clinical studies for new drugs are primarily white. It is crucial for companies like Amgen to ensure diverse representation in clinical studies to advance health equity and enhance treatment outcomes for all patients.
Jude Ngang, from Representation in Clinical Research (RISE), shared five key insights from the Summit:
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Communities of color are interested in learning more about clinical studies.
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Partnerships are critical to building trust.
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Representation matters.
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Intentional representation in clinical study design.
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Participation drives progress.
Amgen set up a booth at the Summit to educate attendees about the significance of inclusive participation in clinical studies. The booth aimed to convey that diverse representation in research paves the way for developing treatments that address diseases prevalent in specific communities.
Amgen employees gathered in Atlanta recently to help support our sponsorship of the Black Health Matters Winter Summit.
Evidence suggests that Black populations often lack trust in healthcare systems and clinical studies. Acknowledging historical reasons for this distrust, it is vital to engage traditionally underserved patient groups and build trusting relationships. Collaborations with Morehouse School of Medicine, the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC), and organizations like BHM enable Amgen to reach out to these patients through reputable community partners and potentially lower barriers to participation in essential research.
Amgen, in partnership with Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM), hosted a booth focused on the African American Heart Study, aiming to recruit 5,000 African Americans to enhance understanding of cardiovascular disease. This initiative by Morehouse seeks to accelerate health research and medical breakthroughs by broadening access to clinical studies.
Diverse representation in clinical studies is crucial for informing treatment development. Collecting health data from a wide demographic range contributes to better care for all. During the Summit, MSM successfully recruited over 130 individuals to potentially enroll in the African American Heart Study.
Considering Black Americans’ 30% higher risk of heart disease mortality compared to other groups, a Q&A session hosted by Sheila Thorne, president and CEO at Multicultural Healthcare Marketing Group, and Dr. Elizabeth Ofili, MD, MPH, FACC from Morehouse School of Medicine, highlighted the importance of the African American Heart Study in addressing this disparity.
Dr. Ofili emphasized the study’s focus on gathering new information tailored for people of African descent, aiming to develop treatments beneficial to all individuals. This intentional design aims to close existing data gaps and enhance healthcare outcomes.
Engaging in community events like the BHM Winter Summit and collaborating with external partners aligns with Amgen’s mission to serve all patients. By actively participating in events and working closely with community partners, awareness is raised about the goal of enhancing representation in clinical studies and fostering inclusivity.
For more information on the African American Heart Study, visit AAHeartStudy.com.
To learn about this event and upcoming events hosted by Black Health Matters, visit blackhealthmatters.com.
