Discover how Walgreens is reshaping the landscape of clinical trials to foster greater diversity and equity, as unveiled in a riveting discussion at HLTH 2023.
- Walgreens’ initiative to bring clinical trials closer to communities, addressing the critical issues of access, diversity, and equity.
- Promising results from Walgreens’ case studies that surpassed FDA metrics around diversity in clinical trials.
- Transforming Walgreens locations into educational hubs for better understanding and engagement in clinical trials.
- Reflection on the trust-building efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the same ethos is being applied to foster better understanding and participation in clinical trials.
- Glimpse into Walgreens’ new community-centric store formats.
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Introduction to Walgreens’ Vision
Excited to share insights from an engaging interview conducted at the recent HLTH 2023 event in Vegas with a representative from Walgreens, highlighting the groundbreaking strides they are making in the realm of clinical trials. The Walgreens Clinical Trials Division was envisioned to bring clinical trials closer to the community, addressing the crucial issues of access, diversity, and equity that have long plagued this sector.
Addressing the Demographic Gap
With less than 5% of the US population participating in clinical trials and a staggering 75% of these participants being Caucasian, Walgreens saw an opportunity to leverage its extensive footprint and trusted brand to help bridge this glaring gap. Over the past year, they have executed around five case studies and the results are promising. Their efforts have resulted in surpassing FDA metrics around diversity in clinical trials, including participation from the African American, Latino, and Asian Pacific communities.
Educational Hubs: A Step Towards Demystification
Central to this initiative is the idea of transforming Walgreens locations into educational hubs. These hubs enable individuals, irrespective of whether they are familiar with clinical trials, to engage with clinical trial specialists or pharmacy care teams, gaining a better understanding of what clinical trials entail and if they are eligible to participate. This innovative approach is not only demystifying clinical trials but also bringing novel therapeutic opportunities closer to the communities that have traditionally been neglected in clinical trial demographics.
Building Trust During the Pandemic
A notable mention was the adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Walgreens opened up its locations to educate communities and administer vaccinations, building trust and opening dialogues around healthcare. The same ethos is now being channeled to foster a better understanding and participation in clinical trials across diverse communities.
A Glimpse into Walgreens’ Community-Centric Store Format
The narrative was also peppered with a glimpse into the new store formats of Walgreens, reflecting a warm, neighborhood feel, aligning with the ethos of community-centric healthcare initiatives.
