SUNY Upstate presents outreach program for groups underrepresented in clinical trials Nov. 17

A representative from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will be joined by SUNY Upstate Medical University researchers and administrators Saturday, Nov. 17 in a program designed to educate key segments of the population about the merits of participating in clinical trials.

The free program, which will be held in the Institute of Human Performance, 505 Irving Ave., Syracuse., will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. To register, call 464-5476.

Historically, women, the elderly and members of minority communities, especially African-Americans, have not been well represented in clinical trials that test new drugs and medical procedures. "The absence of these groups in clinical trials mean that they benefit the least from progress that is being made to cure chronic disease," said Floyd Brown, director of Upstate's Office of Diversity Enhancement in Clinical Research. "This lack of participation could also mean a lesser quality of life if minority groups are not in studies of medicine and therapies to ease pain and suffering."

In addition to a presentation by Brown, the morning session will include a talk by Robert Robinson, Ph.D., an administrator with the CDC, who will discuss "Health Issues in the Black Community."

A symposium on the clinical studies opportunities at SUNY Upstate will be held at 10:30 a.m. and feature remarks from Sharon Brangman, M.D., on "Elderly Health Issues and Studies in Alzheimer's Disease"; Phyllis Bazen, a nurse practitioner, on "Diabetes: Improve Care, Current and Future Studies" and Robert Lenox, M.D., on "Disparities in Lung Cancer and early Detection Studies."

At 12:15 p.m., following a break for lunch, Fraser Tudiver, M.D, will discuss the disparities in primary care prevention in "What's Going On."

A panel presentation set for 1 p.m. will feature Paulette Johnson from the Alzheimer's Association of CNY, Fanny Villareal de Canavan from the Hospanic Action League, Jesse Dowdell from the Southwest Community Center and Duane Milton from the Onondaga County Department of Health. Panelists from SUNY Upstate include Patricia Numann, M.D., University Hospital medical director; Ben Moore, executive director of University Hospital; Ronald R. Young, vice president for governmental and public affairs.

The program concludes with a presentation at 3:30 p.m. on "Steps Toward Partnership to Improve Community and Regional Health," featuring remarks from Mantosh J. Dewan, M.D., John Lucas, Ph.D. and Brown.

Brown said the program helps support the objectives of the nation's "Healthy People of 2010," which, among other issues, seeks to identify the most significant preventable threats to health and to establish goals to reduce them.

The program is sponsored by SUNY Upstate's Department of Research, Office of Diversity Enhancement in Clinical Research, Clinical Trials Office, and Price Chopper at Western Lights and the Caring Center Counseling and Consultation.