Health Equity and Clinical Research

Mitigating Social Determinants of Health through Vertical Farming in Urban Areas "Food is the problem and the solution. By changing what we eat, we not only influence our health but also the health of our planet."   — Dr. Mark Hyman Editorial By Brian J. Stowell    November 13, 2023 Vertical farming is transforming the way we approach agriculture. Vertical farming involves growing crops in stacked layers in a controlled environment, similar to a skyscraper. This innovative technique offers numerous benefits that can significantly impact health and social issues in urban areas. By bringing farming into cities, vertical farming can address food insecurity, promote healthier diets, create job opportunities, and contribute to more equitable and resilient urban communities. It is crucial to consider social determinants of health (SDOH) when assessing health outcomes. SDOH are the conditions where people are born, live, learn, work, play, and age, impacting a wide range of heal...

  Sustainable Clinical Trials: The Pharmaceutical Industry's Path Forward Bridging Healthcare Innovation with Environmental Responsibility "We won't have a society if we destroy the environment."  - Margaret Mead The pharmaceutical industry plays a pivotal role in global health, spearheading the development of novel drugs and treatments that enhance and save lives. However, this paramount role also comes with its share of environmental consequences. Clinical trials, the foundational process of validating new drugs and treatments, significantly contribute to this ecological footprint. Environmental Impact of Clinical Trials Clinical trials conducted in 2020 generated approximately 2.3 million tons of waste 1 , including unused drugs, packaging materials, and medical devices. Unfortunately, much of this waste is in landfills, polluting our soil and water. Additionally, clinical trials require significant energy and leave a large carbon footprint due to participant trans...