Snowballing Change: How Positive Experiences Drive Community Engagement in Research

Voices of Inclusive Research

"Without diversity in clinical trials, we're missing pieces of the puzzle that could save lives." This message is central to this episode of Voices of Inclusive Research, where host Renarda Jones chats with Jen Lothridge, a clinical trial participant and advocate, about how inclusive research can transform healthcare for underrepresented communities.

Jen shares her journey in medical research, highlighting the importance of safety, ethics, and informed consent—especially for Black and Brown communities that have been historically mistreated in research. She stresses that trust and cultural competence are crucial to meaningful participation in clinical trials.

This episode is a powerful reminder of the importance of equitable research and the role communities of color can play in shaping a healthier future.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Importance of Diversity: Emphasizes that without diversity in clinical trials, vital insights into health disparities are missed, potentially jeopardizing lives, especially in underrepresented communities.
• Trust and Cultural Competence: Learn the necessity of building trust and demonstrating cultural competence in clinical research to ensure meaningful participation from historically marginalized groups.
• Safety and Ethics: Importance of informed consent, safety protocols, and ethical considerations in clinical trials.
• Passing Down Health Knowledge: The significance of sharing health knowledge across generations to empower communities and improve health outcomes.
• The Concept of Snowballing: Learn about "snowballing," where positive trial experiences inspire others to participate, creating a ripple effect that enhances diversity and representation in clinical research.

About Jen Lothridge

Jen (she/her/ella) is a passionate advocate and community leader with over 20 years of experience in social services, specializing in Person-Centered Care. Born and raised in San Diego, she embraces life wholeheartedly and brings a deep commitment to supporting the HIV/AIDS community through volunteer roles with the San Diego County HIV Planning/Community Engagement Group, POZabilities, and other key organizations.

Currently a Bachelor of Social Work and Gerontology student at San Diego State University, Jen also serves as the Aging & Research Program Supervisor at Christie’s Place, where she connects with and empowers individuals facing the challenges of aging.

Her mission extends into healing and trust-building within communities affected by medical injustices, especially among Black and African American women. By promoting informed consent, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care, Jen envisions research participation as a positive path toward advancing medical equity and rebuilding trust in healthcare.

Connect with Jen Lothridge:

• Website
• Instagram

Follow Dr. Ren:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

We Want to Hear Your Voice!

Your insights on how inclusive research impacts your life and community are invaluable. Share your experiences and thoughts on how we can bridge the gap between research and real-world needs. Your stories drive our mission and inspire the future of inclusive research!

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Jen's Journey into Clinical Research (00:02:07)

3. Experiences and Insights on Research Participation (00:03:57)

4. Challenges and Misconceptions in Research (00:09:07)

5. Historical Mistrust in Medical Research (00:24:03)

6. Building Trust Through Community Engagement (00:24:46)

7. Effective Communication and Representation (00:26:18)

8. Incentives and Ethical Considerations (00:31:07)