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TOWN
HALL ON GENES, ENVIRONMENT & YOUR HEALTH
The
greatest challenge in public health today is finding better
ways to prevent and treat common diseases - diseases like
heart disease, cancer, obesity, and stroke. But the causes of
these diseases are complicated and involve an individual’s
genes, environment, and lifestyle. Understanding how these
factors cause disease can lead to new treatments that may save
lives. However, research to find which factors cause these
diseases is challenging and would require hundreds of
thousands of Americans to participate in a national “biobank.”
The biobank would contain genetic samples and health
information from volunteers. Scientists would use the
information in the biobank to conduct research on the causes
of many common diseases.
Although biobanks provide a
valuable research tool for scientists studying disease, some
people have concerns. Could the information be used against
them if they participated? Who would have access to the
database? Could employers, insurers, or law enforcement
agencies gain access to their data? Who would decide what kind
of research could be done using the biobank?
Other
countries have begun to create large national biobanks. Is it
time for the United States to consider doing the same thing?
Are the risks worth the rewards? What do you think? It’s time
to speak up. The National Institutes of Health and other
federal healthcare agencies are considering starting a large
study to create a national biobank. They have asked the
Genetics and Public Policy Center at Johns Hopkins to gather
feedback about the idea from the general public.
As a
part of that process, the Center is conducting a town hall in
Kansas City, MO. You and your community have an incredible
opportunity to shape a study that may have tremendous impact
on the future of health care.
No matter what your
viewpoint is, we want to hear it.
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March
8, 2008 | 10am
Ewing
Marion Kauffman Foundation
Town
Square Room
4801
Rockhill Road
Kansas
City, MO 64110-2046
Map
To
take part in the discussion,
register now - or to learn more, visit http://www.dnapolicy.org/ and follow the
link for the genetic town hall.
• Download
the informational flier
Contact:
John
Cyprus
(816)
217 - 3123
Erin
Wiley
The
Public Forum Institute
(202)
374-0840
erin@pfidc.org
All
Participating Cities:
Kansas
City, MO | March 8, 2008
Phoenix,
AZ | April 5, 2008
Jackson,
MS | April 19, 2008
Portland,
OR | April 24, 2008
Philadelphia,
PA | May 13, 2008
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