Recruiting African Americans for health studies: Lessons from the Drew- RAND center on health and aging

African American elderly are underrepresented in health research. This paper highlights recruitment information derived from focus groups with African American elderly conducted through the Drew-RAND Center on Health and Aging. We believe this information can aid in the recruitment and retention of African American elders into health research. Our recommendations include: (1) being sensitive to population concerns, (2) building working relationships with community 'gatekeepers,' (3) establishing relations with the elderly African American community, (4) being aware of the impact of staff's demographic characteristics on the population, (5) providing transportation, and (6) addressing safety concerns. These procedures enabled us to recruit, and retain, over 5 years, a population of 500 elderly African Americans in Los Angeles.