Grants to encourage clinical trial enrollment by underrepresented populations

(a) In general The Secretary may issue grants to and enter into contracts with entities to support community education, outreach, and recruitment activities for clinical trials with respect to devices and drugs, including vaccines, for diseases or conditions that have a disproportionate impact on underrepresented populations. Such activities may include— (1) working with community clinical trial sites, including community health centers, academic health centers, sites in rural communities, and other facilities; (2) training health care personnel, including potential clinical trial investigators, with a focus on significantly increasing the number of underrepresented populations of health care personnel who are clinical trial investigators at the community sites for ongoing clinical trials; (3) engaging community stakeholders to encourage participation in clinical trials, especially in underrepresented populations; and (4) fostering partnerships with community-based organizations serving underrepresented populations, including employee unions and frontline health care workers. (b) Priority for grant and contract awards In awarding grants and contracts under this section, the Secretary shall prioritize entities that— (1) develop educational, recruitment, and training materials in multiple languages; or (2) undertake clinical trial outreach efforts in communities that are traditionally underrepresented in clinical trials, such as tribal areas. (c) Authorization of appropriations There is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section.