The Byrd Cancer Education & Advocacy Foundation will host Clinical Trials, Trust & Our Health: A Conversation for Women of Color on Sunday, May 17, 2026, in Philadelphia. The event is being held in recognition of Clinical Trials Awareness Month and is designed to address ongoing gaps in trust, access, and representation in clinical research.
Clinical trials play a central role in shaping how diseases are prevented, diagnosed, and treated. Despite this, women of color continue to be significantly underrepresented in research. This disparity is rooted in a long history of medical racism, exclusion, and unethical practices that have contributed to deep mistrust within communities. The absence of diverse participation in clinical trials has real consequences, impacting how treatments are developed and how effective they are across different populations.
This upcoming conversation seeks to create a space where these realities can be openly acknowledged and discussed. The event will center the experiences of women of color while providing clear, accessible information about how clinical trials work, what participation involves, and why representation matters. Attendees will be invited to engage in honest dialogue about the concerns, fears, and questions that often go unaddressed in traditional healthcare settings.
Hosted and led by women of color, the gathering will focus on truth, education, and empowerment. The goal is to equip participants with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their health without pressure. By addressing both the historical context and present-day challenges, the conversation aims to bridge the gap between communities and the medical research system.
The program will take place from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. It will be held at Dosso Beauty, 5102 Rochelle Avenue, Commercial 2, in Philadelphia. The setting is intended to be welcoming and community-centered, encouraging open participation from patients, caregivers, advocates, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of clinical trials.
This event reflects a broader effort to ensure that medical research includes and represents the communities it serves. By creating space for dialogue and education, the Byrd Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation continues its work to address disparities in healthcare and support more equitable outcomes for all.
