Enroll in Clinical Trials, SD Official Urges

Lt. Gov. Matt MichaelsLt. Gov. Matt Michaels

PIERRE, S.D. — South Dakota Lt. Gov. Matt Michaels has joined peers in other states in encouraging patients to participate in clinical trials.

The National Lieutenant Governors Association has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the need for people of all races to participate in trials searching for cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer’s treatments.

Michaels says “diverse and robust” volunteer participation is needed in successful clinical trials. He adds that minority groups are often underrepresented in clinical trials, “resulting in limited evidence for how effective such treatments may be for those individuals.”

The association says African-Americans represent 12 percent of the U.S. population, but make up only 5 percent of clinical trial participants. Hispanics represent 16 percent of the U.S. population, but only 1 percent of clinical trial participants.

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