Genetics Day on the Hill 2009

The outcome of the 2008 presidential election will spark great changes in health policy. Proposals for healthcare reform will enter the policymaking process, and we will be closer than ever to finding solutions for the uninsured, the rising costs of healthcare, and the implementation of health information technology. As these efforts come to fruition, we must ensure that the benefits of integrating genetics into health management are realized.

The passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) ushered in a new era for healthcare—one where individuals can put their health concerns first and obstacles to the proactive management of health are eliminated. However, in order for us to experience the benefits of GINA’s passage, we must ensure genetic testing services are of a high quality and accessible; we must ensure the results and decisions from genetic tests are integrated into health management, so the value of personalized medicine and pharmacogenomics is realized; and we must facilitate the right of individuals to be proactive in health decision-making and to be empowered by information.

At Genetics Day on the Hill 2009, we will tackle these important issues on the horizon and educate staff members on genetics and health. Participants will have the opportunity to visit the offices of their elected officials to discuss what is important to them and their families, work, and communities. All members of the genetics community—disease-specific organizations, researchers, healthcare providers, industry, and individuals and families affected by genetic conditions—are strongly encouraged to participate in this event. We are ALL advocates for improving health.

Let’s shape the future of genetics together.

Read about Genetics Day on the Hill 2008, and view the event slideshow.

Please visit this website in the coming months for event updates and sponsorship opportunities.

For questions about Genetics Day on the Hill 2009 and past policy events, please contact Andria Cornell, Public Policy Program Assistant, at acornell@geneticalliance.org.