Xavier Becerra, the US Secretary of Health and Human Services, recently visited San Diego County to promote health care equity as part of his National Latino Health Tour. The tour aims to address the health inequities faced by Latinos and communities of color through collaboration with community partners and healthcare systems. During the visit, Becerra invited researchers and innovators from minority-serving institutions across California to explore new ways to improve diversity, access, and inclusion in clinical trials.
The event was hosted by San Diego State University and ARPA-H, a federal agency established in 2022 that funds innovative health approaches. Becerra highlighted the importance of issues like cancer, which is the leading cause of death among Latinos, and emphasized the need for inclusive clinical trials to ensure that everyone benefits from research advancements. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that clinical trial participation is accessible to all individuals regardless of their location.
ARPA-H Director Renee Wegrzyn also emphasized the agency’s focus on women’s health, announcing a $100 million investment in women’s health research. Wegrzyn noted that many women struggle to prioritize their health due to family and work responsibilities, prompting the agency to innovate new ways to deliver healthcare services directly to the home. ARPA-H has already provided more than $10 million in funding to projects in San Diego County, reflecting their commitment to addressing health disparities at the local level.
