Renarda Jones, Ph.D., founder of Diverse Research Now, believes that medicine should serve everyone, not just a privileged few. Her mission is clear: bring more diversity into clinical trials so that new treatments actually work for all people.
For years, communities of color have been underrepresented in medical research, which means many treatments may not work the same for everyone. “Medicine isn’t one-size-fits-all,” says Jones. “How your body reacts to a drug depends on things like genetics, your environment, and even your culture.”
When those factors aren’t considered, the science — and the care — falls short.
Why So Many People Are Left Out
So why are communities of color often missing from research studies?
Jones points to a few key barriers:
- Lack of outreach: People simply aren’t being asked to join.
- Cultural disconnects: Researchers often don’t reflect or understand the communities they’re studying.
- Strict eligibility rules: These can unintentionally exclude people from underrepresented groups.
- Location matters: Many clinical trials are held far from the communities they aim to serve.
“If you want people to join a trial,” Jones says, “you have to meet them where they are.”
The Trust Factor
One of the biggest challenges is mistrust — especially in Black communities. It’s not just historical. It’s personal and ongoing.
Past abuses, like the Tuskegee syphilis study and the unethical use of Henrietta Lacks’ cells, have left deep wounds.
“That mistrust is real,” Jones says. “And we don’t ignore it. We talk about it openly because that’s how trust is rebuilt.”
At Diverse Research Now, transparency, honesty, and community education are top priorities. The goal is to replace fear with facts and create a safe space for conversation.
Clearing Up Common Misconceptions
Jones often hears the same questions — and she’s ready with answers.
“Am I just a guinea pig?”
No. Participants are partners in discovery, not test subjects.
“If I join, am I stuck?”
Absolutely not. You can leave a trial at any time.
She emphasizes that knowledge is power — and participating in research can be an empowering way to help yourself and your community.
Representation = Better Science
This isn’t just about fairness. It’s about better science and better health outcomes for everyone.
“We can’t find the right treatments,” Jones explains, “if we’re not studying the people most affected.”
Diseases like Alzheimer’s and lupus hit communities of color hard — yet these same groups are rarely represented in studies. That mismatch could mean missed warning signs, misdiagnosed symptoms, or treatments that don’t work well for everyone.
How You Can Make a Difference
Want to be part of the change? Here’s what Jones suggests:
- Talk to your doctor about clinical trials that may be right for you.
- Learn more through trusted resources like Diverse Research Now.
- Share what you learn with friends and family.
“Let’s normalize this conversation,” she says. “It starts with education and honest dialogue with the people we care about.”
The future of medicine depends on research that reflects the world we live in. And that means every voice matters — including yours.