THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH’S All of Us Research Program and the National Library of Medicine (NLM) have teamed up to raise awareness about the program, a landmark effort to advance precision medicine. Through this 3-year pilot program, the National Network of Libraries of Medicine has received a $4.5 million award to support community engagement efforts by public libraries across the United States and to improve participant access.
Eric Dishman
“We want to reach participants where they are. For many people in the country, including those with limited Internet access, one of those places is the local library,” said Eric Dishman, Director of the All of Us Research Program. “We’re excited to work with the NLM to make more people aware of All of Us and the opportunity to take part.”
The All of Us Research Program aims to build one of the largest, most diverse datasets of its kind for health research, with 1 million or more volunteers nationwide who will sign up to share their information over time. Researchers will be able to access participants’ de-identified information for a variety of studies to learn more about the biologic, behavioral, and environmental factors that influence health and disease. Amanda J. Wilson, Head of the NLM’s National Network Coordinating Office, and Dara Richardson-Heron, MD, Chief Engagement Officer of the All of Us Research Program, are leading the new partnership.
Program Objectives
- To improve health literacy among public library staff
- To equip public libraries with information about the All of Us Research Program to share with their local communities
- To assess the impact of libraries on enrollment and retention
- To highlight public libraries as a technology resource that participants can use to engage with the program, particularly those in underserved communities affected by the digital divide
- To establish an online platform for education and training about All of Us and precision medicine
- To help identify best practices in messaging and outreach that lead to increased public interest and engagement in the program. ■
