Greater access to both health care and health-related information now rank among the top of most Americans’ list of essentials.
Perhaps that’s why free community health events like “AWARE for All,” scheduled to make its third visit to the greater Washington area since 2015 in just a few days, continue to attract more and more participants whenever the program is hosted in cities around the world.
Howard University’s Armour J. Blackburn University Center will be the venue for “AWARE for All D.C.” on Thursday, April 19 (5-8 p.m.) where patients and the public will have direct access to some of the nation’s most respected medical professionals, organizations and experts.
Produced by The Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP) with the help of an impressive list of supporters, the goal of the event remains consistent according to Ellyn Getz, CISCRP’s senior manager of development and community engagement — “to bring together community members, clinical research experts, patient advocates and patients to generate a meaningful dialogue about the clinical research process.”
Getz emphasizes that CISCRP seeks to provide education and raise awareness about clinical research being conducted in the D.C. area and that recruiting participants in studies remains outside of their intentions or goals.
“This is free for everyone and it’s a great way for people to learn more about research taking place and resources available right here in their own communities,” she said. “We want the public to be empowered to make better, informed decisions about their health. We recognize that there are always risks, so we advise those who may be interested in clinical research and clinical trials to come and ask as many questions as they want. For some, the benefits for themselves or for family members, may strongly outweigh the risks.”
Attendees will have access to free dinner and health screenings, including blood pressure checks, colorectal cancer screening and COPD, glucose, hypertension, mental health and rapid A1c tests. There will also be an “information alley” that will allow participants to connect with local and national community health partners and sponsors. In addition, the evening will feature a presentation about clinical research, a panel discussion with clinical research professionals and an opportunity to hear from clinical trial participants as they share their experiences.
CISCRP routinely employs onsite surveys in each city to measure outcomes, to gather demographic information and to establish a benchmark in terms of the knowledge of those who attend and as Getz notes, the organization remains committed to publishing more of its findings from recent events which for 2018 will include Los Angeles, Boston, Atlanta, Dublin, Ireland and the District.
Attendance is free, but the public may reserve a spot by visiting www.awareforall.org or by calling 877-MED-HERO.