The West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute (WVCTSI) is set to revolutionize clinical trials access in rural West Virginia communities with the launch of MAVERICK (Mobile Access Vehicle Enhancing Research and Inspiring Community Knowledge). This cutting-edge mobile clinical trials unit, funded by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, will address underrepresentation of rural populations in clinical trials.
About MAVERICK
MAVERICK, a 39-foot customized motorcoach, is designed to meet the unique needs of rural residents. It comes fully equipped with all the essentials for on-site clinical research, including a reception area, two private exam rooms, a lab for processing patient samples, and a restroom. With its diesel engine, MAVERICK has the power to navigate the most challenging terrains in West Virginia, ensuring that cutting-edge trials reach the communities that need them the most.
Breaking Down Barriers to Participation
Dr. Sally Hodder, WVCTSI director, associate vice president for clinical and translational science and Preeminent Scholar Chair at West Virginia University, emphasized the paramount importance of overcoming barriers to participation in clinical research. "Rural populations often face travel and time burdens that hinder their enrollment in clinical trials," Hodder said. "MAVERICK is a game-changer, eliminating these obstacles and providing access to therapies that address the unique health challenges faced by West Virginians. By bringing high-quality resources and personnel directly to West Virginia communities, this mobile unit will empower West Virginia residents to take part in research and ensure that results are relevant to their unique circumstances,” Hodder said.
“We’re incredibly excited to offer access to treatments and health care opportunities that otherwise may not be available in all parts of West Virginia,” said Jada Heath-Granger, WVCTSI MAVERICK Mobile Clinical Trials Unit manager.
Looking Ahead
MAVERICK represents a groundbreaking approach to making clinical research more inclusive and accessible, ultimately contributing to improvement of health outcomes for West Virginians. WVCTSI is excited about the positive transformation this initiative will bring, solidifying its commitment to innovation, inclusivity of rural populations, and advancement of clinical and translational science.
In the coming weeks, MAVERICK will be visiting communities across West Virginia, giving tours and sharing the possibilities now available in some of our most rural areas of the state. You can follow MAVERICK on Instagram at @maverick_wvctsi.
A special MAVERICK showcase will take place at the September 16, 2024 Van Liere and WV IDeA Research Conference. More information about this event can be found here.
More information on additional WVCTSI clinical trials support can be found here.
WVCTSI Background
WVCTSI is funded by an IDeA Clinical and Translational grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (U54GM104942) to support the mission of building clinical and translational research infrastructure and capacity to impact health disparities in West Virginia.