Participant Newsletter

July 2007, Volume 4 Issue 3

Congressional resolution honors clinical trial volunteers

Clinical research participants have long been the “unsung heroes” of medical research, but if U.S. Rep. Frederick “Rick” Boucher (D-VA) has his way, they won’t be for long. The 12-term congressman recently introduced a House resolution that calls upon the nation’s lawmakers to honor and recognize the “sacrifice, commitment, and contributions” of clinical trial participants. The legislation, House Resolution 248: Honoring the Contributions of Patient Participants in Clinical Trials, was referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce in March.

Boucher, who represents Virginia’s Ninth Congressional District, is familiar with the important contributions of clinical trial participants on both a personal and professional level.

As a member of Congress for more than 20 years, Boucher has been an ardent supporter of federal funding for medical research.

The issue struck close to home, however, when a loved one was diagnosed with cancer and Boucher experienced firsthand the hope that clinical research offered in the battle against the disease.

In language worthy of the nation’s highest legislative body, House Resolution 248 acknowledges the role of clinical research volunteers in advancing science and conquering disease.

Noting that more than 2.3 million Americans participate in nearly 80,000 clinical trials each year, the bill goes on to credit clinical research participants with leading to the “discovery of new treatments and cures and an improved quality of life for all,” and encourages everyone to learn about clinical trials and the important role of trial participants.

Most of all, House Resolution 248 offers a powerful endorsement of CISCRP’s mission. In his foreword to the soon-to-be-published book, The Gift of Participation: A Guide to Making Informed Decisions about Volunteering for a Clinical Trial, by CISCRP co-founder and Board Chairman Kenneth Getz, Boucher calls clinical research volunteers, “truly heroic,” and praises their contributions to the discovery of new treatments and cures for diseases.

“These brave participants deserve our honor and respect,” Boucher writes, “and I hope that our efforts will raise public knowledge of their contributions and sacrifices.” With the passage of House Resolution 248, the message will be loud and clear.

To reserve your copy of Getz’s informative new book, contact CISCRP at info@ciscrp.org or 781-326-3400.

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This web site is run by CISCRP, a non-profit organization focused on educating and informing the public about clinical research participation. CISCRP is not involved in recruiting patients for clinical trials nor is it involved in conducting clinical trials.