Why is it that some people respond well to certain medications, while others do not? Why are some people more vulnerable to developing chronic, disabling conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer?
Medical researchers think that the answers can be found in our genes, but they need large amounts of medical data to better understand how genes affect overall health. Where can researchers get this data?
Veterans Can Help
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has been storing computerized medical records of veterans for more than 20 years. It already has a large database that could quickly become the most comprehensive resource for medical research in the world if veterans are willing to sign up for the “Million Veteran Program: a Partnership with Veterans.”
How It Works
The Million Veteran Program (MVP) partners with veterans receiving VA medical care who agree to donate blood samples. Their identities are kept private asthe VA follows strict measures to ensure confidentiality and security of data.
Veterans will not know the results of their blood tests, nor will the results be recorded in their medical history,but their participation could potentially save lives.
The goal of the program is to collect data from 1 million veterans. This potentially massive collection of data could help improve treatment and prevent serious health conditions in Americans.
So far, about 10,000 veterans have enrolled. Find out how to participate in MVP at the Website.
Note: Alpha is a veterans disability advocacy group. All representation coordinated by Alpha is provided by our employees, the Advocates, who are accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). No private organization that trains and employs accredited agents has been legally recognized by the VA for the purposes of preparation, presentation, and prosecution of claims. This work must be done by the Advocates themselves and not organizations.