Center for Advancing COVID-19 health Equity Research - PROJECT SUMMARY
Minority enrollment in clinical trials is essential as it allows scientists to evaluate the safety and
efficacy of medical products, including medications, vaccines, and devices within these
genetically/ethnically diverse populations. Despite this, minority participation in clinical trials
remains low. The overall goal of this grant proposal is to investigate possible causes of low
enrollment of racial and ethnic minority populations in COVID-19/COVID-19 variant clinical trials
and determine solutions to overcome low enrollment. Over the years, the College of Pharmacy
and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Public Health has developed strong collaborative
relationships with organizations such as Northeast Florida Medical Society, William Gunn’s
Medical Society, Turner Alliance Consulting, and East Coast Research Institute. In this proposed
investigation, we will partner with these organizations to focus on three specific aims 1) Identify
the major gaps in the local communities that contribute to the low enrollment of racial and ethnic
minority populations in COVID-19 clinical trials, 2) Develop, pilot, and evaluate a community-
based targeted strategy to actively improve the enrollment of the racial and ethnic minority
population in local COVID-19 clinical trials and 3) Provide Clinical Research Fastrack training for
30 minority healthcare providers and workers in three geographic areas (Jacksonville, Tampa,
Tallahassee, FL). The investigators will conduct qualitative interviews with the community,
healthcare providers, and community leaders to discuss strategies/education methods to increase
enrollment for minority populations in clinical trials and identify health advisors/ambassadors to
conduct educational sessions for the community focusing on COVID-19 clinical trials. A website
containing clinical trial information and frequently asked questions will be developed along with
billboards with website information.
The expected outcome of this proposed study is to identify
the possible causes of low enrollment of racial and ethnic minority populations in COVID-
19/COVID-19 variant clinical trials. Our major goal is to develop a workable model to increase
awareness and participation of minorities in COVID-19/COVID-19 variant clinical research trials.
