The Genomics Forum is an official component of APHA . We currently have 903 members representative of a diverse genetics and public health community. Our members are academic researchers, community leaders, nurses, social workers, physicians, genetic counselors, students, advocates and much more from across the globe. We share a common interest in assuring that genomics is researched and applied responsibly for individual and community health. As always, we would like to invite you to join the forum, include an article in our upcoming newsletter, share resources and/or collaborate with us on projects.
Read about our exciting updates below and find out more about joining Genomics Forum.
The Gene by Environment Work Group
The Gene by Environment Work Group aims at reviewing and assessing gene by environment interaction knowledge and developments to identify, assess and recommend applications relevant to people’s health, as well as the implications of gene by environment interaction knowledge for research, teaching and practice.
The group’s goal is to produce a framework for public health practitioners to be able to evaluate, participate in and produce high quality studies targeted at the interface between the macro/population and micro/genetic environments. A critical component of this will be tracking developments in epidemiology specifically, in order to provide guidance in statistical methods now being developed to support these types of studies. To join the Gene by Environment Work Group, please contact Rigel Christian at rchristi@jhsph.edu or Nora Isack at noraisack@gmail.com or visit www.genomicsforum.org.
The Policy Committee
The Policy Committee is happy to announce the acceptance of its policy statement, “Strengthening Genetic and Genomic Literacy.” This policy statement addresses genetic and genomic literacy as a public health workforce competency and its implications for public health in general. To read the entire statement check out http://www.apha.org/advocacy/policy/policysearch/default.htm?id=1407.
The Policy Committee is now working on its next policy statement, focusing on cancer genetics. The Policy Committee would love your input as they move forward. To join, please e-mail Nora Isack at noraisack@gmail.com or visit www.genomicsforum.org.
Joining Genomics Forum
The Genomics Forum serves as a venue to explore our diverse perspectives on how this is best achieved through the work of our committees, workgroups and at our Annual Meeting.
Ways to become involved:
* Join the Forum (it's free)
* Like our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter. Links can be found at our website.
* Participate in a committee
Work on updating the APHA policies on genomics and public health
Help design the annual program at APHA
Support networking amongst Genomics Forum members and beyond
* Participate in a working group
Translational Genomics
Workforce Development
Healthcare Policy
Gene-Environment
If you are interested in participating in the Work Groups please Join the Committee here
* Participate in a webinar
Sponsored by the APHA Genomics Forum, Genetic Alliance, and the Center for Public Health and Community Genomics. For additional session information please see the descriptions on the Genetic Alliance Website.
* Submit articles or events
Publish an article or event you are holding in our newsletter or blog by e-mailing Membership and Communications Chair Nicole Exe. Notify our membership about an article or event on our Facebook or Twitter by contacting Nora Isack.