NMA Sponsors Research Discussion

Online, October 5, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Houston, Texas - The National Medical Association has partnered with the Houston Medical Forum and MD Anderson Cancer Center/Department of Health Disparities Research to host "Partners in Health: How You Can Make a Difference in Medicine" on Saturday, October 15th from 11:00 - 2:00 pm at the Houston Community College Conference Center located at 3100 Main Street, Houston, Texas. This free research forum will address such topics as what are research studies/clinical trials, why people participate in studies, why minorities tend not to participate, the critical role of clinical research in improving health, myths and realities about clinical trials/studies, and the systems that are in place to protect volunteers. The Houston Department of Health and Human Services Director, Stephen Williams is a featured speaker. The program will be moderated by Dr. Elise Cook and Dr. Tanya Stephens of MD Anderson Cancer Center and will include a bioethicist, clinical researchers, and clinical trial participants.

"The relatively low participation rates of African Americans in clinical trials have raised concerns about generalizing study results to African American populations. If African American enrollment in clinical trials continues to be low, we will continue to see disparities in the treatment of diseases as well as unanswered questions as to why the African American population fares less than others when diagnosed with certain diseases such as cancer and diabetes" says Dr. Cedric Bright, President of the National Medical Association.

The National Medical Association started these forums to raise awareness and educate minority communities about clinical trials and to discuss the issue openly and honestly while affording attendees and opportunity to ask questions of our panel of experts and clinical research volunteers. Each year, more than 40,000 trials are ongoing in the United States that require large numbers of volunteers. Many of the diseases and conditions being studies heavily impact minority communities, such as stroke, HIV/AIDS, hypertension, diabetes and cancer. To ensure that new drugs and medical approaches are safe and effective for the diverse communities in the U.S., men, women, young, old, minority and majority communities are needed to participate in research.

Registration is free but space is limited. The forum features clinical trial bingo, exhibits, a program for children and young adults, gifts and a cash raffle for churches that bring five or more participants. For additional information or to register, please call Cassandra Harris at 713-794-1730 or email [email protected] or Yolanda Fleming at 1-800-NMA-0554, ext. 261 or email [email protected]
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Founded in 1895, the National Medical Association is the nation's oldest and largest medical association representing the interests of more than 50,000 African American physicians and the patients that they serve. The NMA repeatedly advocates for policies that would assure equitable and quality health care for all people. To learn more about "We Stand with You: NMA Physicians and Their Patients United for Improved Health for All", visit www.westandwithyou.com.