By Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
As of June 23, 2020, the coronavirus has taken the lives of over 120,000 Americans. Black people are continuing to face the highest rates of mortality from the virus at one in every 1,500 compared to White counterparts at one in every 3,600. The stark contrast in mortality rates exposes a long history of health disparities in the Black community that have been amplified due to the ease in which COVID 19 is contracted. While is it imperative to follow the safety guidelines presented by organizations like the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization to slow the spread of the virus, it is also important that Black people are enrolling in clinical trials to find a vaccine for the virus. As our community is one of the most affected by COVID 19, participation in clinical trials is necessary for researchers to find a cure that will work for us. This panel will address the historic mistrust between Black people and the medical community and examples of the medical community trying to right the wrongs of the past. Speakers will also share how HBCUs and other trusted Black organizations are working with the medical community to create safe and trusted pathways to facilitate clinical trials for the Black community. Sponsored by Eli Lilly, Biogen, Genetech, and Bristol Myers Squibb.
