All of Us Research Program Seeks Public Input to Inform Tribal Collaborations

Posted in: #Health Interest List, #Health Sciences List, #Public/K-12 List, All of Us

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The All of Us Research Program is working with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal nations to ensure that all issues and concerns related to research among American Indians and Alaska Natives are understood.

The program has issued a Request for Information to collect additional input from the consultation and engagement with tribal nations. Individuals and organizations interested in commenting on the issue should submit their responses by Oct. 31.

All of Us aims to build a participant community that reflects the country’s rich diversity, including American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) and other groups that have been historically underrepresented in biomedical research. The program recognizes the importance of collaborations with tribal nations to facilitate the inclusion of AI/AN populations. Accordingly, in spring 2019, the first step in establishing a meaningful partnership with the AI/AN population, All of Us initiated a government-to-government consultation with tribal nations to better understand leaders’ views and concerns about the program.

Through this RFI, the program seeks further input on the issues raised during the consultation, which include, among others:

• The importance of proper handling of AI/AN biospecimens in accordance with Tribal beliefs and traditions;
• Challenges with handling data from self-identified AI/AN individuals
• Educating the research community on avoidance of stigmatizing research

Responses to the RFI will be accepted through Oct. 31, 2019, and must be submitted via email to AoUTribal@nih.gov. For full details, please view the RFI.