DaVita Clinical Research campaign highlights altruistic nature of clinical trial participants

DaVita Clinical Research, a specialty contract research organization, has launched a campaign that shares stories from the people behind clinical research. The series, called “Inspired to Give,” will include 18 videos featuring clinical trial participants and researchers sharing their personal experiences with clinical research. The campaign will run through February 2014.

Full-length videos are hosted on YouTube, and 15-second versions are available on Instagram. The series can be viewed online at youtube.com/DaVitaClinResearch, and on DCR’s Instagram page by following @DaVitaResearch #InspiredtoGive.

“We find that the driving force for most who participate in clinical trials is that they have someone close to them who has a disease or illness and they want to help that person,” said DCR Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Harry Alcorn. “And in additional to being altruistic, trial participants ultimately play a key role in the future of health care by helping to develop medicine for others.”

DCR recognizes the importance to raise awareness and bring a sense of pride to those who choose to participate in clinical trials. Without the vital participation of everyday people, new therapies could not be developed.

“The medicine I take for my kidney disease was developed in part by people just like me through clinical trials,” said Cynthia Harvey, who has end stage renal disease and has been involved with DCR for seven years as a clinical trial participant. “It’s very important for myself and others to participate because research helps give knowledge. The staff makes you feel confident, they make you feel loved, and they make you feel like you’re a person, not just a subject.” Harvey's video is available below.