Engaging people in communities that are historically underrepresented in clinical trials is essential to advancing equity in cancer care. With the right tools, health care professionals, community leaders and advocates can spark vital conversations, expand access and help shape better outcomes for generations to come.
Discover how Merck is reshaping clinical research through trust, representation and real conversations — because healthcare changes the moment we do.
Understanding clinical trials
Clinical trials are critical to helping us discover new medicines for diseases. As a trusted voice in your community, you play a vital role in helping people understand the value of participation. By guiding people through what clinical trials are and why they matter, you can help build trust, answer questions and address common concerns. Increasing representation in clinical trials isn’t just about inclusion it’s about ensuring that future medicines are safe and effective for everyone.
Why representation in clinical trials matters
Black Americans make up nearly 14% of the U.S. population but account for only 8% of clinical trial participants. Similarly, Hispanic Americans represent nearly 20% of the population but only 11% of participants. Diseases can impact people differently based on their age, gender, weight, race, ethnicity and other factors. Lack of representation in clinical trials can limit our understanding of certain diseases, lead to less effective medicines for some groups and contribute to health disparities.
Greater representation can help change that. When leaders like you speak openly and authentically about clinical trials, you can begin breaking down barriers and help shape the future of health care for everyone.
Acclinate helps connect, educate and empower underrepresented communities through the power of technology.
Learn more about Acclinate (Opens in a new tab)
Equitable Breakthroughs in Medicine Development (EQBMED) helps underserved communities participate in clinical trials to create more equitable access.
Learn more about EQBMED (Opens in a new tab)
Greenphire’s management platform helps people enrolled in clinical trials navigate the financial process, including providing easy access to reimbursements and financial assistance.
Learn more about Greenphire (Opens in a new tab)
BlackDoctor.org is one of the most trusted health platforms for Black Americans. Through our collaboration, we’re helping expand access to information about clinical trials and encouraging open conversations about participation.
Learn more about BlackDoctor.org (Opens in a new tab)
For more information about clinical trials, please contact the Merck National Service Center at 1-800-444-2080, Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM ET.
As a trusted leader, you can help people in your community understand that clinical trial participation can contribute to medical research that supports safe and effective medicine for all.
Join us in a conversation. Let’s help create a future of health care that’s inclusive and representative of all communities.
