A partnership of our community, the Office of Healthcare Equity, the Human Subjects Division, UW Medicine, and UW School of Medicine. 

The University of Washington’s Diversity in Clinical Trials Initiative (DCTI) aims to enhance representation of historically underrepresented communities among participants in clinical studies, ensuring that medical treatments and interventions are effectively studied across diverse populations, leading to more equitable healthcare outcomes for all individuals and better medicine. 

The DCTI honors Washington Legislature House Bill 1745, (RCW 69.78)  while taking guidance from the FDA regarding the equitable selection of clinical trial participants and development of a diversity plan as well as recommendations from the Multi-Regional Clinical Trials (MRCT) Center 

Bridge Funding

The Office of Healthcare Equity believes that healthcare is a fundamental human right and everyone should have the same access and opportunities for the best possible outcomes. This belief is very clearly tied to our mission to improve the health of the public and we are committed to transforming the way care is provided to eliminate these inequities.

In support of this mission and WA State RCW 69.78, which aims to improve participation in clinical trials from underrepresented communities we have launched two bridge funding opportunities to support UW Clinical Trial Researchers.

Language Access Bridge Funding Award

Could your clinical trial benefit from language access and cultural advocacy needs—such as document translation, interpreter services, and communication access real-time translation (CART) services?

Funding, up to $5,000 paid directly by the Office of Healthcare Equity (OHCE) can be applied for to support these activities.

Learn more and apply here: Language Access Bridge Funding – Office of Healthcare Equity.

Capacity note: Funding is limited and applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Community Collaboration and Language Access Award

Want to strengthen the equity impact of your clinical trial work? The Community Collaboration and Language Access Bridge Funding Award supports UW researchers accelerate clinical trial projects that improve community engagement, cultural access, and language accessibility.

Funding, up to $10,000, supports activities that advance:

• Community engagement and trust‑building
• Understanding of local context and cultural priorities
• Language access and multilingual materials
• Requirements for the Diversity Plan for Clinical Trials Supplement – UW Research (see Table 2: Spectrum of Community Engagement in Clinical Trials Research, Examples). 

Learn more about the RFA requirements and apply here: TBD

Capacity note: Funding is limited, application deadlines will follow a brief review period before awardees are notified.