Clinical research is a critical field that bridges the gap between medical advancements and patient care. However, awareness about clinical research as a career, care, and treatment option remains limited, particularly in underrepresented communities. Over the past two years, we have undertaken a mission to raise awareness about clinical research among the Sikh community by organizing outreach events at Sikh places of worship across the United States and Canada.
Expanding Reach, Strengthening Awareness
Since Jun 2022 through Oct 2024, we have conducted around 25 outreach events in multiple states and provinces, including Illinois, Indiana, New York, California, Arizona, North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin, Massachusetts, and Michigan, as well as in Canada. Each event was structured to ensure that attendees had ample time to ask questions and learn about clinical research.
Engagement and Impact
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. With over 3,300 attendees engaged across all events, there has been a significant interest in learning more about how clinical research can serve as both a professional path and a means to access new treatment options.
Key takeaways from our outreach efforts include: ✔ Newsletter Signups: More than 600 individuals signed up for our newsletter to stay updated on opportunities in clinical research. ✔ Pamphlets Distributed: We handed out over 2,000 informational pamphlets, many in Punjabi, ensuring accessibility and cultural relevance. ✔ Video Feedback & Testimonials: At multiple events, attendees shared their thoughts through video testimonials, highlighting the importance of such initiatives. ✔ Sustained Interest: Several attendees expressed interest in joining our online webinars, becoming ambassadors to help us spread the word through social media outreach and many as exploring clinical research as a career or treatment option in future, demonstrating the real impact of our grassroots awareness approach.
Event Overview and Growth
These gatherings provided an engaging platform where attendees learned about the significance of clinical research, the roles they could play, and how participation in trials can contribute to medical advancements.
Statistical Insights
An analysis of the event data reveals a consistent upward trend in engagement:
- 2022: 5 events, 614 attendees engaged, and 402 pamphlets distributed.
- 2023: 12 events, 1,814 attendees engaged, and 1,397 pamphlets distributed.
- 2024: 8 events, 1,126 attendees engaged, and 826 pamphlets distributed.
The peak in 2023 demonstrates a significant expansion in outreach as we were able to include Gurdwaras in California where Sikh population is relatively high, followed by a steady engagement in 2024, maintaining momentum from the previous year.
Geographical Impact
The events were held across Sikh worship places (Gurudwaras) in the U.S. and Canada (Toronto). This broad reach helped ensure that clinical research awareness extended across multiple regions, targeting both urban and suburban Sikh populations.
A Collective Effort for a More Inclusive Future
Recognizing Our Supporters
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the individuals who helped at the booths and to the Gurdwara committee members whose support made these events possible. Your contributions have been instrumental in making this initiative a success.
Industry and Community Collaboration
By continuing these efforts, we aim to foster greater representation of Sikhs in clinical research—both as professionals and as participants in studies that can lead to improved healthcare outcomes.
These events were sponsored by New Life Clinical Research, LLC (Owned by SICR Founder, Ekta Grewal), and we encourage industry stakeholders to come together in support of this mission.
The Role of Sikhs in Clinical Research (SICR)
Sikhs in Clinical Research (SICR) is actively working to engage with the community and spread awareness about why research matters. Through setting up booths in Gurdwaras across the U.S., SICR has introduced thousands of people to the role of clinical trials in advancing medicine. These events don’t just provide information; they clear up misconceptions, address concerns, and help build trust in the research process.
SICR is working to close the existing gap by raising awareness, but real change requires pharmaceutical companies to step up.
The Need for Industry Action
By supporting such awareness events, incorporating community perspectives into study designs, facilitating access to clinical trials for Sikh patients, and helping reduce cultural and language barriers, the research industry can open the door to new therapies and expand market reach by ensuring interventions are effective for a growing patient population. The future of medicine lies in precision and personalization. If pharmaceutical companies truly want to develop the best possible treatments, they must include the very people who will be using them.
Building on this success, future outreach efforts should expand to more states in the US, partnerships with pharmaceutical companies, culturally competent training programs for sites, and follow-up initiatives to keep the Sikh community informed and involved in clinical research. By continuing to expand awareness, we can foster greater participation in research, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for all.
We look forward to expanding this initiative further, collaborating with more organizations, and continuing to build a future where clinical research is recognized and embraced as a valuable career and treatment option.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about SICR, we encourage you to connect with us and be part of this transformative journey!
