The Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) is proud to recognize HCA Healthcare as a Breakaway Sponsor of the 2023 ACRP Ride4DEI for Clinical Research Workforce Diversity.
The ACRP Ride4DEI is the clinical research industry’s premier cycling challenge that raises funds in support of ACRP educational scholarships—including attendance at ACRP’s annual conference—for entry-level clinical research professionals from diverse communities. Every dollar raised will help increase access to education, training, and career advancement in clinical research for people from historically underserved communities.
“We know that the more diverse the clinical trial workforce, the more diverse the clinical trial participant population,” says Susan Landis, ACRP Executive Director. “In addition to regulatory guidance encouraging trial participant diversity, ACRP can build a diverse, research-ready workforce through programs that provide access to training to enter and advance in the clinical research profession. We are incredibly thankful for HCA Healthcare’s support of the ACRP Ride4DEI—whose contribution goes directly to this goal.”
One of the nation’s leading healthcare providers, HCA Healthcare was responsible for more than 37 million patient encounters in 2022. Its research team has conducted clinical studies that have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, The Lancet, and the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Michelle Rowe, VP of Operations for HCA Healthcare Research Institute, says HCA Healthcare’s sponsorship of Ride4DEI is one way the company supports improving diversity among the clinical trial workforce.
“We’re committed to diversity, equity and inclusion with our colleagues, in our patient care and the communities we serve, so this is a perfect partnership and something we are really passionate about,” said Rowe.
In 2022, more than 80 individual and corporate donors contributed $63,675 in donations to fund the ACRP Ride for Diversity, a 6-day, 355-mile grueling bike ride from Pittsburg to Washington, DC. The funds supported more than 20 scholarships to ACRP’s annual conference, as well as development of ACRP’s ‘Ready, Set, Clinical Research!’™ toolkit designed to support stakeholders with a vested interest in the growth and diversification of the clinical research workforce. The fundraising goal for 2023 is $120,000.
“As the leading workforce association for the clinical research industry, ACRP has a responsibility to ensure that all people—regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or orientation—can embark on a career in clinical research and advance without prejudice. My hope is that the ACRP Ride4DEI will continue to raise money for much needed scholarships and serve as a catalyst for clinical researchers who desire greater access to career opportunities,” says Sergio Armani, EVP, Business Development, Helios Clinical Research, and ACRP Ride4DEI creator.
“The ACRP Ride4DEI is a demonstrative, actionable initiative supporting advancement and accessibility for the clinical workforce,” says R’Kes Starling, RPh, MBA, ACRP Diversity Advisory Council Leader, and CEO/Founder, Reveles Clinical Services. “Increasing diversity in hiring of clinical researchers improves diversity among clinical trial participants, healthcare access, and equity of care.”
For more information about the ACRP Ride4DEI, please visit acrpnet.org/ride-4-dei. Donations can be made directly to ACRP’s online donation platform.
