Northwell Health’s Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, in collaboration with the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation (CISCRP), will host a free public education event, AWARE for All – Long Island, on Thursday, November 7 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Hofstra University’s Student Center in Hempstead. This program offers the opportunity for community members to learn more about clinical research, other health-related resources available within their area, and meet with healthcare professionals.
The event will feature free health screenings, including blood pressure, flu vaccinations, oral cancer, stroke assessment, dental screening, sexually transmitted diseases and more. In addition, informational exhibits featuring local community groups and research centers will also be present. Event participants will be able to meet local physicians, as well as patients enrolled in clinical trials. A free, healthy dinner will be provided.
Panel speakers will include John Boockvar, Feinstein Institutes’ co-director, the Brain Tumor Biotech Center and vice chair of the department of neurosurgery at Lenox Hill Hospital; Christina Brennan, MD, MBA, Feinstein Institutes’ vice president of clinical research; Jeannine Villella, DO, Lenox Hill’s chief of gynecologic oncology; Mark J. Sinnett, director of clinical and educational pharmacy services at Montefiore Medical Center; and, Rafella Hart, vice president of IRB and IBC at the Biomedical Research Alliance of New York (BRANY).
In addition, panel speakers will include clinical research participants Christele Felix of Queens, diagnosed with lupus and connected to CISCRP through the Lupus Research Alliance; and, Lisa Heller of Syosset, diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
During the discussion, study volunteer panelists will speak about their clinical research experience, why they were interested in participating, and key take-aways for audience members who may be considering participation in the future. Doctor and research panelists will speak about their disease focus of specialty, breakthroughs in their research area, and how one can get involved if they’re interested in learning more.
“We are honored to partner with CISCRP as the host sponsor for the AWARE for All – Long Island event,” said Dr. Brennan. “We play an important role in raising awareness and interest about the option of clinical trial participation. Clinical trials are essential for developing new and effective treatments and improving the quality of life for patients. We seek to educate the community about clinical research and encourage conversations about clinical trials between patients and their healthcare providers.”
CISCRP founder and board chair Ken Getz notes, “We are grateful for the support we have received from Northwell Health to bring our AWARE for All program to Long Island. Our program provides a much-needed opportunity for people to come together, learn about clinical research in their communities, and the potential treatment options available through clinical trial participation.”
In addition to Northwell Health, the following organizations support AWARE for All – Long Island: Lupus Research Alliance, EMD Serono, Biomedical Research Alliance of New York (BRANY), Alzheimer’s Association Long Island Chapter, Susan G. Komen, Pulse Center, Project Safety Net, and Círculo de la Hispanidad.
Submitted by Northwell Health
