Forging Community Connections for Lasting Impact
Multiple myeloma is the most common hematologic malignancy among Black & African Americans.1 However, they comprise only 4% of enrollees in clinical trials supporting FDA approval of multiple myeloma drugs.2 Acclinate collaborated with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) from April to October 2024 to address this disparity and support more representative research. Through events held in Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia, and Birmingham, this initiative aimed to raise awareness with the Affective Trust Framework, provide education, and inspire action by leveraging the strengths of the NOWINCLUDED community platform.
Our Approach
Hosting community-centered events that reflect the culture and needs of each metro area.
Sharing practical and culturally resonant information through expert panels and patient stories.
Partnering with trusted organizations and digital platforms to build trust and enhance impact.
I had never known anyone healthy with this condition before today… now I know I’m not alone fighting this…”
– NOWINCLUDED community member
Our Initial Results
The collaborative initiative reached 510 in-person attendees with education and engagement materials, delivering measurable and meaningful results:
89-202
in-person event registrations per city
85%-91%
Black & African American participation per event
83%-95%
of attendees felt comfortable participating in discussions about their health
9.6%-62%
reported limited knowledge of clinical trials before the events
32.3%-83%
felt more informed about clinical research after these events
50%-78%
expressed a desire to engage in upcoming MMRF programs
79%-86%
felt inspired to prioritize their health or promote awareness in their communities
Notable Findings
Acclinate polled NOWINCLUDED community members from across the four metro areas to understand their sentiments about multiple myeloma research:
of respondents across locations agreed with the importance of spreading awareness of multiple myeloma
of Atlanta- and Detroit-based attendees indicated they wanted ongoing updates from NOWINCLUDED and MMRF
of Atlanta attendees indicated openness to focus group involvement
Help Shape the Future of Inclusive Clinical Research
Acclinate’s collaboration with MMRF highlights how engagement strategies rooted in the Affective Trust Framework can bridge gaps and support more inclusive clinical research. By integrating community-centered events with digital outreach, this initiative brought vital education resources to underrepresented populations—encouraging actions toward better health.
Join us in building a future where diverse voices drive advancements in healthcare.
References
1. Bhutani, M., Blue, B. J., Cole, C., Badros, A. Z., Usmani, S. Z., Nooka, A. K., Bernal-Mizrachi, L., & Mikhael, J. (2023). Addressing the disparities: the approach to the African American patient with multiple myeloma. Blood Cancer Journal. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41408-023-00961-0
2. Kanapuru, B., Fernandes, L. L., Fashoyin-Aje, L. A., Baines, A. C., Bhatnagar, V., Ershler, R., Gwise, T., Kluetz, P., Pazdur, R., Pulte, E., Shen, Y., & Gormley, N. (2022). Analysis of racial and ethnic disparities in multiple myeloma US FDA drug approval trials. Blood Advances. https://doi.org/10.1182/bloodadvances.2021005482
