AWARE for All – Atlanta Event Overview

On November 16-18, 2021, CISCRP hosted the AWARE for All – Atlanta virtual event, the fifth and final event in 2021. With a different format from previous events, AWARE for All – Atlanta was held over several nights as a series of webinars to offer more clinical research information and resources. This event was city-based, tailored to the Atlanta, Georgia community and featured clinical trial participants, healthcare professionals, and exhibiting organizations.

The event’s first night focused on sharing an overview of the clinical trial process with attendees. Rabih Dahdouh, Clinical Research Associate of the Center for Health Equity Transformation, explained what clinical trials are, how trials are conducted, why people join, the important role of clinical trials, and how clinical trial participants help to advance medical treatments for everyone. As Rabih explains, “Our ability to live long healthy lives is due to the participation of clinical trial participants.” 

The second night, attendees had the opportunity to hear from a panel of clinical trial participants who shared their experiences and perspectives in a lively discussion. The panel included: 

• Tina Berry, Oncology Trial Participant and Project Manager,  Northside Hospital Cancer Institute 
• Terp Vairin, Mental Health/Depression Trial Participant 
• Melissa Hardman, Trial Participant, Founder & CEO of Faces of Research, LLC 
• Ashley Nealy, COVID-19 Trial Participant 
• Glenn Bachmann, Lymphoma Trial Participant 

The panelists shared their own clinical trial stories and discussed important topics like informed consent, compensation, and the obstacles that can prevent people from joining a trial. Melissa Hardman, who has experience as both a trial participant and  healthcare professional, noted the importance of making clinical trials accessible to all, sharing, “The ability to participate in clinical research should be the next step in the healthcare process for patients, not a daunting process. Access to clinical trials is ultimately access to healthcare.”

The AWARE for All – Atlanta  event concluded with a final panel discussion with healthcare and research professionals who shared their experiences. The panel included:   

• Phyllis Kaplan, Diabetes Trial Participant, Sr. Manager of Events & Community Engagement, CISCRP 
• Meghan Mckenzie, Principal Inclusion, Internal Partnering in Chief Diversity Office, Genentech 
• Leah Szumita, Director of the Clinical Trial Support Center for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 
• Zach Mitchell, Director of Business Operations & Recruitment, iResearch 
• Tamara Wakhisi, Medical-Surgical Research Supervisor, Oncology, Northside Hospital – Central Research Department 
• Yolanda Little, Diverse Patient Recruitment and Retention, Novartis 
• Mary Slomkowski, Director, Clinical Management CNS, Otsuka 

The panelists shared their passion for clinical research and how they work with community members, discussing important topics like the importance of diverse representation and how the industry is working to overcome barriers to participating. Leah Szumita, explained the importance of building awareness and education at the community level, noting, “Clinical trials are the key step to advancing treatment. We need to increase awareness and participation across the board.”  

Throughout the event, attendees were able to navigate to the Informational Exhibit Center, a virtual exhibit hall that offers resources and information from over 30 health and wellness organizations in the Atlanta community and across the country. Exhibitors include Pfizer, Biogen, Janssen, Otsuka, IQVIA, CSL Behring, EMD Serono, WCG, Novartis, and Genentech.  

Visitors can also connect with Atlanta-based organizations such as SisterLove, RedMoon Project, iResearch Atlanta, Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance, Diabetes Association of Atlanta, and many more.