The Genomics Forum is an official component of APHA .  We currently have 479 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.  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.

Since its inception in 2008, the Genomics Forum has engaged in updating APHA policies on Genomics and Public Health; for example our policy on Genetic Literacy was recently accepted. The Policy Committee is currently focused on cancer genomics.

At APHA, the Genomics Forum has a robust program of oral and poster sessions. We have a special focus on working with other APHA Sections, SPIGs and Caucuses to co-sponsor sessions. Last year, we were able to co-host a special plenary session on how technology can help to reduce health disparities. We also co-sponsored a session on Genome Wide Association Studies with the Epidemiology Section as well as sessions with several other groups.  The Program Committee is currently working on putting together the program for the 2011 APHA Annual Meeting on healthy communities.

The Genomics Forum has many ways to communicate with current members and reach out to potential new members. We have a website, Facebook page and Twitter account where you can learn more about the Genomics Forum and issues of interest to the Public Health Genomics community. The Membership and Communication Committee is currently working on reaching out to members of APHA and creating a networking newsletter along with other projects to improve the Genomics Forum experience.

The Translational Genomics and Workforce Development Working Groups are working together to survey APHA members and Schools of Public Health about needs for education on Public Health Genomics.

The Healthcare Policy Working Group is currently deciding on its priorities for this year so it is a great opportunity for new members. 

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

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.