The Duke CTSI Community Engagement Research Initiative (CERI) and clergy members from 18 African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion churches across North Carolina partnered with the Duke CTSI as Health Equity Advocates & Liaisons (HEAL). The partnership began in July 2016, modeled after a partnership between Yale Center for Clinical Investigation (YCCI) and clergy from A.M.E. Zion churches in Connecticut.
The HEAL-Duke CTSI partnership provides bidirectional training to HEAL partners and researchers to increase and diversify clinical trials recruitment efforts. This partnership works to reduce health disparities and improve health in traditionally underserved communities by:
- Cultivating trust via dispelling myths and negative perceptions of clinical trials among people of color
- Increasing knowledge in health research
- Bridging the gap between medical development and community needs
HEAL partners also provide critical input on research protocols more meaningful, accessible, and relevant to the communities they aim to serve.
The HEAL partners have helped shape clinical research in significant and meaningful ways. HEAL partners are committed to improving population health by diversifying research participation, eliminating health disparities, and advancing health equity.