CMSC 2022 | Steps towards equity in MS care for minority populations

Mitzi Joi Williams, MD, Joi Life Wellness Group, Smyrna, GA, acknowledges that a multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis can be devastating, often due to the fear of the unknown. However, specifically for minority populations, the diagnosis can be isolating as much of the literature and support groups are not focused on these minorities, despite an increased awareness that MS occurs more frequently in these populations. There are also issues with access to care, where people are unable to obtain quality care as a consequence of systemic racism. Dr Williams explains that to receive good MS care these barriers must be overcome, listing some initiatives that are aiming to achieve health equity. The National African American MS registry aims to better understand social determinants of health and treatment patterns in minority populations, while the CHIMES (NCT04377555) study, a Phase IV clinical trial, focuses on disease activity and biomarkers in Black and Hispanic US populations. This interview took place at the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) congress 2022 in Maryland.