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Walmart's Healthcare Research InstituteSM Launches with Mission to Improve Care for Underserved Communities through Research
WHRI offers inclusivity for patients in rural and underserved communities to participate in clinical research BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Today,
About this update from Walmart Inc.
[{"type":"text","content":"\nWHRI offers inclusivity for patients in rural and underserved communities to participate in clinical research\n\n BENTONVILLE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--\nToday, Walmart is announcing the launch of the Walmart Healthcare Research Institute SM (WHRI) to increase community access to healthcare research that may help lead to safer, higher quality and more equitable healthcare.\n\nWHRI will be focused on innovative interventions and medications that can make a difference in underrepresented communities including older adults, rural residents, women and minority populations. WHRI initially is focused on inclusion in studies on treatments for chronic conditions and innovative treatments that should include members from these communities.\n\n“At Walmart, we want to help ensure all our customers have access to high quality, affordable, and convenient healthcare resources, including innovative research,” said Dr. John Wigneswaran, Walmart’s Chief Medical Officer. “We know our customers are interested in participating in healthcare research, but many have not had access until now. We are already making an impact for our customers and for medical research, by raising patient trust and engagement in their care.”\n\nFor decades, clinical trials have not been representative of the population at large and often recruit participants who live near research centers, have the time, and have the financial ability to participate.1 According to Food and Drug Administration data, in 2020 75% of trial participants were white, 11% were Hispanic, 8% were Black, and 6% were Asian.2 Walmart is focused on studies that can have a health equity impact in the communities it serves and represent all populations. With 90% of Americans living within 10 miles of a Walmart, the retailer can offer solutions to care by meeting customers and patients where they live and work.\n\nWalmart is working with a wide range of study partners, including clinical research organizations, pharmaceutical companies and leading academic medical centers, including CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services and Laina Enterprises. WHRI is already demonstrating strong results, with a referral rate 3x the industry benchmark.\n\n“The efforts by Walmart in research are innovative and impactful – it is clear that the intention behind their foray into this space is to genuinely make a difference...