Since 1976, February has been designated as Black History Month, a time to pause and reflect on the experiences and contributions of African Americans.
On December 18, 2020, the U.S. Senate passed legislation aimed at improving access to clinical trials for communities of color and decreasing health disparities.
The Henrietta Lacks Enhancing Cancer Research Act works to increase access and remove barriers to participation in federally sponsored cancer clinical trials among communities that are traditionally underrepresented. The bill is named after a Black woman who died from cervical cancer and whose cells, taken without her knowledge or consent during her treatment, have been used to develop some of modern medicine’s most important breakthroughs, including the development of the polio vaccine and treatments for cancer, HIV/AIDS and Parkinson’s disease.
ACS CAN President, Lisa Lacasse states, “Reducing health disparities must be a priority in this country. ACS CAN is pleased to see this important bill, which is aimed at doing just that, pass in the Senate. Henrietta Lacks’ cells have saved countless lives and with this bill, her legacy will continue to improve health outcomes and reduce health disparities for countless more.”
The Henrietta Lacks Enhancing Cancer Research Act will direct the federal government to study policies that impact diverse participation in federally sponsored cancer clinical trials nationwide and recommend potential policy changes that would reduce barriers and make it easier for patients from diverse backgrounds to enroll in clinical trials.
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