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5. Where is the CNRC?
The CNRC is located at 1100 Bates Street in the Texas Medical Center, Houston, Texas. The center is on the south end of the Texas Medical Center, one block east of Fannin Street and one block north of Holcombe Boulevard.
Free parking is available to all volunteers in the CNRC parking garage. In some cases, the CNRC can provide transportation. Detailed driving directions, including access to an Internet mapmaker, are available through this Web site.
6. Are the accommodations comfortable?
Most volunteers involved in studies requiring an overnight stay spend the night at the Metabolic Research Unit. This comfortable and inviting area has private hotel-quality rooms with private bathrooms, television with VCR, radio and telephone.;
Access to the floor is strictly controlled and children are chaperoned at all times. Medical personnel are also on call 24 hours a day.
7. What support do you have for breastfeeding moms?
Breastfeeding mothers and infants involved in overnight studies will find that the CNRC has a well-trained staff ready to assist with lactation problems. There are private rooms with electric breast pumps, comfortable rocking chairs and nursing stools. Nursing pillows, NUK Nipples, breast shields, diapers and bottle warmers are also available for nursing moms to use while at the Center.
The CNRC also has an extensive library of reading materials and educational videos about breastfeeding. Free copies of Parents magazine and breastfeeding information sheets are available.
8. Are there activities for children?
The CNRC playroom is stocked with games, videos and toys for children. Teens enjoy a separate teen room complete with stereo, ping-pong, foosball and pool tables. Depending on the length and type of study, children might also be involved in arts and crafts projects and supervised outings.
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9. Are meals provided?
A few study protocols require that the CNRC provide all the food that volunteers eat, both at the center and at home. But most of the studies only require food to be provided while volunteers are at the CNRC.
A registered dietitian plans the meals served at the CNRC in consultation with the study's primary investigator. Meals are well-balanced, meet the nutritional needs of the volunteer and take personal preferences into consideration.
10. May I eat meals with my children at the CNRC?
CNRC study coordinators are always happy to assist parents who wish to eat meals with their children involved in studies. Parents are generally offered larger portions of the same meals served to their children.
The CNRC kitchen closes at 6 p.m. So, parents planning to arrive at a later time should ask their child's study coordinator to have a cold meal or plate of the evening's hot meal set aside for them.
11. Are there benefits to being a volunteer?
The knowledge CNRC researchers obtain through volunteer-based clinical studies can impact the nutritional well-being of children and adults for generations to come.
On a personal level, volunteering for nutritional studies gives area residents an opportunity to meet others as well as learn more about their nutrition needs and how their body works.
Volunteers are not compensated for participation in studies. However, a stipend to or other small gift may be provided to volunteers depending on the study protocol.
12. How do we learn more?
Those interested in volunteering for studies at the CNRC are urged to call our volunteer hotline at (713) 798-7002.
After an initial telephone screening, those who are interested and meet the study requirements will be asked to visit the CNRC. At that time the study's coordinator will provide a full explanation of the study objectives and requirements. Some initial tests may also be performed and you will be asked to sign an informed consent form.
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