Genomics – the study of genes and how they relate to each other and with the environment – is increasingly a public health issue.  For example, expanding genomic research is shedding new light on patterns of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use and its consequences; however, these findings must be complemented by a policy and public health perspective if they are to be used to improve individual and population health.  Additionally, multiple government agencies are placing substantial funds into clinical applications such as pharmacogenomics (i.e. personalized medicine) without assessing this agenda from a public health perspective and its relative impact on individual rights and community health.  To ensure that personalized medicine means public medicine, APHA must be at the forefront of conversations about how genomics will be used in relationship to population health in America and worldwide.  This Forum will contribute to the realization of that goal.

With the support of the Community Health Planning and Policy Development and Maternal and Child Health Sections, the Genomics Forum was approved as an official APHA component in November 2007.  Over 130 APHA members have currently enrolled in the Genomics Forum, representing a growing, interdisciplinary group of individuals including practitioners, researchers, students and community members from state and federal governmental agencies, advocacy groups, academia and health care organizations.  The Forum is committed to a diverse membership from APHA Sections, SPIGs, and Caucuses and hopes to work with the ATOD Section and its members on issues of mutual interest.

The Forum currently communicates via listserv, in regular conference calls, and through the development of a Web site.  Activities are based on the needs and interests of our members.  All are invited to participate in one of the general membership calls and to join any of the Forum’s committees.