By HARRIET PROTHRO PENROD
On Tuesday and Wednesday, the All of Us Journey traveling educational exhibit was on site at Southern University Shreveport as part of the organization’s efforts to bring the program into underrepresented communities.
The mission of the All of Us Research Program — from the National Institutes of Health – is to speed up health research. To do this, the program is asking one million or more people to share their health information. It is the hope that researchers can use the information to conduct thousands of studies.
“We’re trying to speed up the development of individualized health care,” All of Us representative Keita Hall told the crowd gathered in the parking lot of SUSLA. “We want to build up a database – particularly in underrepresented communities.”
In the past, medical research has left many people behind – particularly African Americans.
“We want to change that by including everyone,” said Jacob Martinez, one of the program’s tour managers. “In general, health research does not give us enough information because 80 percent or more of the clinical trials that take place include older white males. We want to reflect the diversity in the United States.”
Crowds gathered on both days to meet and greet local All of Us spokesperson Greedy Williams, the Calvary Baptist and LSU football star who recently signed a one-year deal to play for the Philadelphia Eagles.
“I became part of the program after doing some research,” said Williams, who was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. “It’s great (for the program) to come into this type of community. It gives us a chance. I’m happy to come here and do it.”
Williams told the crowd he enjoyed returning to Shreveport to “touch, reach, and teach” people.
“I love being here,” said Williams. “I love y’all’s energy. All of us athletes appreciate your support. I’m excited. Let’s take pictures and videos. Let’s have fun. That’s why I’m here.”
Visitors were encouraged to tour the exhibit, learn about the program, and – hopefully – join on-site. The traveling exhibit features interactive activities designed to demonstrate the power of each individual’s participation in health research.
Participants share their health data online, including health surveys and electronic health records. They may also be asked to share physical measurements, and saliva, blood, or urine samples. Personal information is removed from all data and samples are stored in a secure biobank.
Researchers use the data to find patterns so they can understand more about why people get sick or stay healthy. Participants can get health information that matters, including DNA results at no cost.
You can explore the data at JoinAllofUs.org/ResearchCorner, contact the Support Center at (833) ALL-OF-US for answers to any questions, or join by visiting JoinAllofUs.org/drive.
Next stop of the tour: Sci-Port Discovery Center
Sci-Port Discovery Center invites the community to visit the All of Us Journey and learn how you can help change the future of health. The traveling, hands-on exhibit will be at Sci-Port April 3-7 with hours each day from 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Unlike a single research study focused on a specific disease or community, the All of Us Research Program will create a research resource to inform thousands of studies, covering a wide range of health conditions. This information could help researchers learn more about different diseases and treatments and improve health for generations to come.
