VOCES, UPR form alliance to help build health database

The All of Us program, promoted by the National Institutes of Health, seeks to recruit one million participants in the United States to create the largest and most diverse health database in history.

By The Star Staff

The Coalition for Immunization and Health Promotion of Puerto Rico, VOCES, announced on Tuesday its alliance with the Comprehensive Cancer Center Hospital of the University of Puerto Rico at the inauguration of the Healthy Communities Center in a collaboration that seeks to promote participation in the All of Us precision medicine study in Puerto Rico.

“The participation of Latinos is critical in studies for future vaccines and disease treatments,” said a spokesperson for VOCES during the inauguration at Plaza Las Américas.

Those interested can start registering at the Healthy Communities Center after receiving orientation and viewing the research exhibit.

The All of Us program, promoted by the National Institutes of Health, seeks to recruit one million participants in the United States to create the largest and most diverse health database in history. Precision medicine studies genes, proteins and other personal factors to improve disease diagnosis and treatment.

To participate, applicants must register, conduct interviews, consent to biological and physical sampling, and complete health surveys. Participants will receive free genomic reports, including a pharmacogenetic and other reports on inherited disease risks.

For more information or to participate in the All of Us study, visit the VOCES PR Healthy Community Center at Plaza Las Américas, write to allofus@vocespr.org or call 1-800-981-0084.