The Power of Veterans' Questions: Participate in the 2024 Veterans Research Town Hall, ‘Genomics, Health Equity and You’

This hybrid event, scheduled for Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 10 a.m.—12 p.m. EDT (in person at the Crescenz VA Multipurpose Room and online over WebEx), will focus on genomic biomedical research at the VA and the importance of Veteran voices in VA research. Following brief presentations from Veterans, VA researchers and others about genomics, Veterans will have an opportunity to ask questions that are important to them and to learn more about upcoming active research studies.

Register to attend online: Click here. To attend in person, join us on May 14th, 2024 in the Crescenz VA Multipurpose Room, 3rd floor.

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EVER WONDER JUST H0W MUCH SCIENTISTS do with your DNA? It seems every police procedural on TV these days makes use of DNA to catch a criminal. In the movies, characters can manipulate genes to re-create dinosaurs, among other feats of the imagination. But what are the real-world facts, and how do they relate to the way the Veterans Administration handles the blood and DNA of Veterans?  

As a Veteran, your service to our nation has left an indelible mark on history. Now, your story holds the potential to shape the future of healthcare for generations to come. The upcoming Veterans Research Town Hall, hosted by the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP) and its Veterans Community Advisory Board (VCAB), in partnership with the Philadelphia Research and Education Foundation (PREF) at the Crescenz VA in Philadelphia VA, presents a unique opportunity for you to contribute to groundbreaking research and advocate for health equity in our communities. Veteran voices matter—be a part of the Town Hall.

Veterans bring a wealth of knowledge and lived experiences to the table. Their insights into the unique health challenges faced by themselves and fellow Veterans from diverse backgrounds are invaluable. The Town Hall will provide an opportunity to share perspectives and ensure that researchers and policymakers understand the issues that matter most to Veterans, and that holds for genetic research and discoveries as well. It will also present the chance to ask questions about genetic data such as that gathered for the Million Veteran Program.  

Genomics—the study of an individual’s entire genetic makeup—holds the key to unlocking a deeper understanding of how our genes influence health and disease. By participating in discussions about genomics, Vets can help shape the direction of research in this crucial area. Their input and questions can guide researchers towards studying genetic factors that are relevant to Veterans’ health outcomes, leading to more targeted and effective treatments.

It is also another tool in the ongoing effort toward more equitable health outcomes. Health equity is the basic principle that everyone should have the opportunity to experience their best their level of health. Unfortunately, disparities in genomic healthcare access and outcomes persist, particularly among underserved and minority communities. The Veterans Research Town Hall aims to help address these disparities head-on by focusing on health equity issues relevant to Veterans. By participating and asking pertinent questions, you can advocate for policies and interventions that promote equal access to genomic services and resources for all Vets and their families, regardless of race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. The Veterans Research Town Hall is a community coming together to effect change by engaging with fellow veterans, researchers, community leaders, and a growing network of support and empowerment.

Veterans can help shape the direction of research and policy initiatives for years to come. It’s about the present moment, and about building a brighter and healthier future for all Veterans.

So mark your calendars, bring your questions, and join us at the Philadelphia VA on May 14th, 2024, at the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VAMC, (3900 Woodland Ave, Multipurpose Room, 3rd Floor; or online with WebEx), and let's work together towards a future where every Veteran receives the care and support they deserve.

There’s a lot to talk about!

To attend online, register now! https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/weblink/register/rb34180de91decfd7877a67c9d40acdb8.

CHERP’s Veterans Community Advisory Board

The VCAB is made up of Veterans, like you, and they are working hard to promote holistic Veteran healthcare.  This starts with spreading awareness among Veterans and researchers of the health equity issues that affect Veteran health and how to address them in the VA health system. “The voice of Veterans is often lost in research,” former VCAB Chair, Chuck Maxwell noted. “As a result, solutions developed may not meet the needs of patients. Patients and the public have come to feel disconnected from the goals of research.” With this in mind, the VCAB, in partnership with PREF and the Crescenz VA Medical Center in Philadelphia, present the Veterans Research Town Hall: ‘Genomics, Health Equity and You,’ May 14, 2024, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. EDT.

Get Involved! VCAB Seeking members! 

The Veterans Community Advisory Board in Philadelphia is looking for new members!  If you want to engage with Veterans and identify with the CHERP VCAB’s mission, “To advise, foster relationships, and contribute experience and input to CHERP Leadership and Researchers in order to promote health, healthcare, and health equity for the Veteran Community,” contact CHERPVCAB@gmail.com today!

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.