Duplin County is a close-knit, rural community of slightly more than 50,000 residents. The National Children’s Study (NCS) will recruit almost half of the county’s pregnant women and their children during the next 5 years. Duplin residents are excited about their selection as a “Vanguard Community” and proud to contribute to the health and well-being of children through participation as one of the first two sites in the Nation that started the Study in January 2009.

Reflections on the NCS

Becky Ross, Vice President of Nursing Services for Duplin General Hospital, shared these thoughts on being part of the Community Advisory Group in an interview with North Carolina Study Center reporter Karen Rhodes:

“I think, by all means, the staff and the folks that are directly involved with the Study, they are the ones that I see as the experts. However, it’s always nice to have a diverse group from the community, that know the culture, that know the folks, the citizens in the county, and can be able to share some insight with the folks responsible for making the study a success. You know, every community has its own way of doing things, its own set of cultural beliefs and values, and so that’s what, in my opinion, the Community Advisory Group serves.”

Suzanne Thomas, hospital coordinator and Beulaville resident explained the importance of the National Children's Study to Karen Rhodes:

"This information will benefit future generations of children in ways that are hard for people to even imagine," said Suzanne Thomas, hospital coordinator and Beulaville community member. "We want all Duplin residents, not just those participating in the study, to understand its importance. We also want people to speak up if they have questions about issues like how participants' rights are being protected and how the study findings will be used."