The Mission of the NCHPEG is to promote health professional education and access to information about advances in human genetics, and to improve the health care of the nation. Vence L. Bonham, J.D., Co-Investigator from Michigan State University, spoke on "Genetics and the Perspectives of Minority Communities." Professor Bonham shared general recommendations for policy development arising from the Project and discussed the risk of seeking to describe communities of color as monolithic in their views and opinions and reduce complex communities into generalizations.

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People's Genome Celebration, Genetic Alliance
June 8-10, Washington DC

The Genetic Alliance celebrated the landmark mapping of the human genome with educational events that highlighted the promise, potential and implication of our historic genomic age. This was the first time that all stakeholders-individuals with genetic conditions, families, and representatives from government, industry, and the public-gathered for an informed and open debate about these critical issues. Tene Hamilton, M.A., project coordinator from Tuskegee University, took part in the presentation entitled "Broadening Outreach: Advocacy in Light of Disparities."

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American Public Health Association Annual Meeting
October 22 - 24, 2001, Atlanta

Our project was selected to present an entire scientific session, entitled "Engaging Communities of Color in Genetics Policy-Making," at this fall's annual meeting of the American Public Health Association. The session will be held on Monday, October 22, and will include papers on the following topics: "What Are They Going To Do with the Information?" (Amy Schulz, Cleo Caldwell, Sarah Foster); Facilitator Interactions with Community-based Organizations and the Dialogue Process (Tene Hamilton and Marian Secundy); Evaluating the Dialogues (Eleanor Singer and Toni Antonucci); Community Engagement and Coalition Building (Yvonne Lewis, Gloria Smith, Dan Soza and Carrie Guzman); and Inclusion of Communities of Color in Policy-Making (Vence Bonham).

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Human Genetics, Environment, and Communities of Color: Ethical and Social Implications, West Harlem Environmental Action
September 20th, 2001, New York City

This national conference will promote dialogue between scientists, policymakers, community advocates, and experts from legal and other professional fields. It will prioritize community participation in a discussion on the science and ethics of genetic research. The conference will create a forum in which technical experts and community leaders can participate as equals, with education in a simple yet comprehensive format accessible to the layperson. Yvonne Lewis, Community Advisory Board member and Director of Faith Access for Community & Economic Development, and Tene Hamilton, M.A., project coordinator in Tuskegee, will present project findings in the presentation entitled "What Do People Really Think of This? Community Perceptions of Genetics Research."

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Genetics Policy and Law: A National Forum National Conference of State Legislators
October 5-6, 2001, Washington DC

This meeting will bring together state and federal policymakers and other key players from the fields of law, bioethics and medicine for a high-level discussion of genetics policy. Toby Citrin, J.D., Principal Investigator of our project, and Vence Bonham, J.D., Co-Investigator, will present findings from both our initial genetics project and the unique features and findings from our current project in the session entitled, "Panacea or Pandora's Box: Public Perceptions of Genetic Technologies." Information packets including the summary dialogue report will be available for legislators attending this meeting.

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