Research!America
is a nonprofit scientific research advocacy organization with a mission to
achieve better health for everyone. In January 2025, Research!America released
the
results of their survey of the American public about their feelings regarding
medical and health research.
Here are
some of the results of this survey:
·
Over eight out of ten Americans believe that
scientists should inform the public about their research and its impact on
society.
·
Over nine out of ten Americans believe that it
is important that the US be a global leader in research to improve health, and
over six in ten would pay $50 more in annual taxes to ensure this.
·
Over half felt that the COVID crisis helped them
better understand how health research works.
·
Over six in ten Americans think their regular
health care provider should encourage them to participate in appropriate
clinical trials.
A 2025
study, the Axios/Ipsos American Health Index, shows that Americans are
looking for clearer information and guidance regarding health and wellness.
This study also indicated that trust in federal health agencies is declining,
and fewer Americans believe they know who shapes the advice offered by public
health agencies.
According to
the American Health Index study, the majority of Americans would like to see
national health institutions strengthened. Americans feel they don’t really
understand public health news stories, but once they are aware of the topics
covered, they do care about the issues. Yet the public’s trust in public health
agency advice is declining.
Unfortunately,
despite the public’s increased interest in better understanding of and
potential participation in health and wellness research, this is becoming less
likely to happen. Recent terminations of National Institute of Health grants
for clinical trial research have affected over 74,000 people who were
participating in research studies. The two divisions most impacted by the
research cancellations are those funded by the National Institute of Mental
Health and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities.
The need for
continued research in the mental health area is indicated by the increase in symptomsof anxiety and depression, especially among younger adults, and by the
recent large increase in the number of mental health diagnoses. Both racialand geographic health disparities have been increasing, and the life
expectancy gap between racial groups is widening.
A clinical trial
is the main process by which new medications and other medical interventions
are evaluated for safety and effectiveness. This process is resource intensive and
requires significant time to complete. Maybe instead of waiting for your
healthcare provider to suggest your participation in a clinical trial, you
could suggest one you are interested in. A good place to learn about existing
clinical trials worldwide is at the ClinicalTrials.gov website. You
might also want to register your interest in volunteering for a clinical trial
at ResearchMatch.
