Nebraskans are invited to help advance precision medicine and improve health for generations to come by visiting the traveling “All of Us” Journey research buses in Omaha May 14-17 and in Grand Island May 21-24.
In conjunction with the National Alliance for Hispanic Health, UNMC and several community partners will host the traveling, hands-on exhibit that raises awareness about the “All of Us” Research Program.
“All of Us” is an unprecedented effort by the National Institutes of Health to gather genetic, biological, environmental, health and lifestyle data from 1 million or more volunteer participants living in the United States. The program’s ultimate goal is to accelerate research and improve health.
Participants (18 and older) will complete a series of confidential questionnaires online including topics such as demographics, lifestyle and health behaviors and then can provide physical measurements and biosamples (i.e., blood and urine). The research buses will be available:
- In Omaha on May 14 -17 at the Metropolitan Community College – South Campus, 2909 Edward Babe Gomez Ave., (northwest section of Mahoney Building parking lot) from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.
- In Grand Island on May 21-24 at 1137 S. Locust St. from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday/Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday.
“UNMC is proud to be a part of this program with the National Institutes of Health and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health,” said Athena Ramos, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Health Promotion and the Center for Reducing Health Disparities in the UNMC College of Public Health. “This is a fantastic opportunity for Nebraskans to have an impact on the future of health care for today and for years to come.”
“All of Us” aims to reflect the rich diversity of the U.S. to help ensure that each community is included in studies that lead to improved health for future generations. Participants will be able to access their own health information, summary data about the entire participant community and information about studies and findings that come from “All of Us.”
“All of Us” seeks to transform the relationship between researchers and participants, bringing them together as partners to inform the program’s directions, goals and responsible return of research information. One of those partners is the National Alliance for Hispanic Health who, through their Todos Juntos effort, is partnering with organizations across the country.
“We are bringing the ‘All of Us’ Research Program directly to people all across the country to continue our work to increase the inclusion of all communities in clinical and biomedical research. Through the Journey traveling exhibit we will increase the participation of diverse communities in All of Us to help build the foundation for a new era of health care where medicine is tailored to each person,” said Jane Delgado, Ph.D., president and CEO of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health.
In Omaha, the Alliance is partnering with the Latino Center of the Midlands, National Rural Health Association, Office of Latino/Latin American Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and the One World Community Health Center Inc., to provide information on All of Us and demonstrate the central role Hispanic communities must play to usher in the future of health.
In Grand Island, the Alliance is partnering with the Central District Health Department, the Heartland Health Center and the National Rural Health Association. UNMC’s Center for Reducing Health Disparities has been a member of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health since 2007.
To learn more about the program, please visit the website or call the Alliance toll-free at 1-866-783-2645. Contact Dr. Ramos at
402-559-2095 or by email, or Edgar Gil Rico of the National Alliance for Hispanic Health at 202-797-4331 or by email.