GRAAHI will work to advance understanding of the development and the progression of disease as they contribute to health disparities.

Research aids in determining the effects of medication and certain treatment procedures on health issues. Current research is also being used to determine best practices for treatment and care for consumers. Low participation from African Americans and other minorities is seen through out the United States in research studies. African Americans have the highest health disparities yet have one of the lowest participation rates. Best practices for health care in African Americans cannot be determined without their participate.


What are the barriers to participation?

Most of those barriers preventing participation involve; mistrust, fear, lack of knowledge about research, poor access to primary medical care, communication difficulties, limited minority health professionals and economic barriers such as time off from work and transportation.

The Tuskegee Syphilis Study has left a legacy of fear and mistrust of research studies. Today there are many types of research studies and a greater amount of protection in place to protect those that participate. Some studies collect only data and do not require any medications or treatment procedures. GRAAHI encourages all African Americans to become better educated about research studies so they can make more informed choices on participating and protect themselves at a higher level when participating. Please see the Research Information page for further information on research studies.

Future generations depend greatly on the actions of the current generation. Help to brighten that future and decrease those health disparities faced by the African American community.