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Background: Diverse racial/ethnic representation in scientific studies is crucial for generalizability of results and development of potentially effective treatments. Racially diverse registries with research ready individuals have the potential to fill this gap. However, despite having signed up as part of a research registry and being invited to participate in clinical trials, many do not participate. To better understand research participation, the NC Registry for Brain Health surveyed its members to identify the characteristics of those likely to participate in research studies, their views on research, expectations when joining the group, and impediments to participation. Method: The NC Registry for Brain Health has been state‐funded since 2018 with goals of increasing access for all to information and research opportunities in brain health. Focused recruitment to under‐served and under‐represented groups across the State occurs through community outreach events sponsored by a five member university network. An email survey was sent to the 5,946 Registry members enrolled as of October 15, 2021. Result: Approximately 10% (n = 576) responded to this anonymized survey. Most were older women with high levels of formal education (Table 1). Despite the Registry's demographics of 28% African American enrollees, only 8% of the survey respondents self‐identified as African Americans. Most individuals joined the Registry for the joint purpose of getting involved in research and receiving information about brain health (75%). When asked to describe what "brain health research" means, most reported studies involving dementia risk factors and memory testing. All participants had been approached to get involved in studies, but only 60% recalled getting an email invitation. The biggest impediment noted for participating in studies was inconvenient appointment times. The participants also wanted more available studies and more information about the opportunities. Conclusion: This study suggests that most participants in the Registry are seeking to be informed about brain health and have access to research opportunities at times convenient with their schedules. There was an observed gap between African Americans enrolled in the research registry and those who participated in the survey. Addressing gaps in research involvement of under‐represented groups in research is necessary to achieve inclusive representative science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Historical mistrust in medical systems has resulted in low Alzheimer's disease (AD) research participation among African Americans (AA). However, the faith community remains a trusted institution among many AAs and can be a major facilitator for increasing AA AD awareness and research. To better understand the health needs of AAs and build relationships with faith organizations in the Triad area of North Carolina, we conducted a community needs assessment (CNA) among local faith leaders. Method: A mixed‐methods CNA was conducted. Quantitative data was collected from 44 pastors of AA churches via surveys that assessed resources, church demographics, and health topics of concern. Descriptive statistics were conducted for survey data. Qualitative data was collected during "listening tours" among pastors, with specific emphases on healthy aging, trust in medical systems, and research perceptions. Data from "listening tours" were analyzed using thematic analysis. Result: Our CNA indicated that AD was a common health topic of concern among pastors and their congregations. This is likely influenced by the composition of the churches, given that more than half of the pastors reported that at least 30% of their congregation was 65 years of age or older. During 2021, collaborations between MACHE and faith leaders produced 3 webinars, 13 food distributions, and 4 community outreach events. Over 40,000 people were provided AD and brain health education; 1,961 community members expressed interest in AD research opportunities; and 580 AAs enrolled in the NC Registry for Brain Health over an 8‐month period in 2021, during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Conclusion: Through a 3‐year partnership, the TPN and MACHE have significantly increased brain health awareness and AA participation in AD research through grassroots community engagement and outreach. Investments in trusting and sustained partnerships between an academic institution and faith communities demonstrated efficacy in increasing opportunities for providing service, access to research, and health education opportunities to communities that are typically underrepresented in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]