Elizabeth J. Levy

ejk9@cdc.gov  

Members of the OHS Section are invited to join the new Genomics Forum of APHA. This Forum will be one of the first to represent a new structure within APHA that was created to address cross-cutting issues and facilitate communication across Sections and Special Primary Interest Groups (SPIGs). By joining the Genomics Forum, APHA members retain their affiliation with their Sections.

Genomics – the study of genes and how they relate to each other and with the environment - is increasingly a public health issue. Expanding research and new applications of genomics in clinical and public health settings provide challenges and opportunities for public health professionals to promote equitable access to genetic services, and prevent misuse of genetic information and technology. For example, 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 OHS 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. The Forum is currently accepting abstracts for the 2008 Annual Meeting and is working through its Policy, Membership and Communications, Special Projects, and Program Committees on activities in work force development, policy development, advocacy, research and other areas. 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.  

Please visit our Web site to see a schedule of upcoming activities and to sign-up for the Forum: http://www.GenomicsForum.org