Genetics town hall April 24, 2008

GENETICS TOWN HALL

The greatest challenge in public health today is finding better ways to
prevent and treat common diseases=97diseases 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
participated 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 on 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 part of that process, the Center is conducting a town hall in Portland.
Our community has 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.

WHEN: April 24, 2008, 5:30 PM

WHERE: Oregon Convention Center (NE 777 MLK Jr. Blvd.), Portland Ball Room

FOR MORE INFORMATION: http://www.dnapolicy.org/policy.consult.gene.php

FOR REGISTRATION:
http://www.dnapolicy.org/event.registration.php?event_id=28

Official Website: http://www.dnapolicy.org/event.registration.php?event_id=28