The Wright Institute for Global and Population Health, housed in UWF’s Usha Kundu, MD College of Health, will sponsor the National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Journey, a traveling educational exhibit that raises awareness about the All of Us Research Program from Oct. 22-25.
The program aims to speed up health research and medical breakthroughs by collecting information through surveys and DNA samples. During the event, UWF students, staff, faculty and the community will have an opportunity to participate by answering questions on various health topics, providing samples for DNA research and providing health background information for the program’s research database. The Journey features interactive activities, videos, games, quizzes, and more — all designed to demonstrate the power of participation in health research.
“We are incredibly excited to partner with the National Institutes of Health for the All of Us Journey, marking the Wright Family Institute for Global and Population Health’s inaugural event,” said Dr. Mark Diana, UKCOH associate dean for research and graduate studies. “This collaboration not only underscores our commitment to advancing health research but also reflects our mission to engage and uplift our community. By fostering participation in this groundbreaking initiative, we aim to create a more equitable health landscape for all, ensuring that every voice contributes to the future of healthcare.”
The event is made possible through a high level research grant awarded to Dr. Armaghan Mahmoudian, an assistant professor of movement sciences and health at UWF. Unlike a single research study focused on a specific disease or community, the All of Us Research Program will create a research resource to inform thousands of studies, covering a wide range of health conditions. This information could help researchers learn more about different diseases and treatments, and improve health for generations to come.
The goal is to collect as much data as possible from as diverse a population as possible during the event. This research ensures that health data is representative of all demographics including fringe minorities not often included in research studies, which reduces health disparities and promotes health equity across the nation.
The All of Us Journey will be on UWF’s Pensacola campus in front of the University Commons in Lot H from Oct. 22 to Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day as part of its national tour.
To learn more about the All of Us Research Program, please visit JoinAllofUs.org/tour. To learn more about the Wright Institute for Global and Population Health, visit uwf.edu/wrightfamilyinstitute.