The Office of Diversity in Clinical Research (ODCR) aims to meet the challenge of adequate participation by women, children, and persons of color in clinical research. Language, health beliefs, religion, and other cultural factors sometimes hinder participation in clinical research. Knowledge of cultural background and issues of concern to these communities are essential in understanding the needs of the groups even before research can be conducted.
Located within the CTSA Service Center this office serves as the focal point for addressing racial and ethnic health disparities and inclusion of under-represented communities of color through innovative strategies in clinical research at Mayo Clinic. The ODCR provides leadership and gives critical visibility to health problems and needs of the communities of color, as well as provides solutions to these issues within Mayo Clinic service areas.
The ODCR has identified innovative strategies in strengthening the inclusion of persons of color in clinical research and has created a strong collaboration with the Clinical Research Unit's (CRU). These strategies already have shown to be effective in increasing communities of color's participation in Mayo Clinic research. The ODCR collaborates with the CRU's to continue the Mayo Clinic research mission to build stronger science-based research involving and interacting with communities of color.