All of Us Research tour looks to close medical gaps

OHIO — The “All of Us Research Program” is making its way through Ohio. It’s part of the National Institutes of Health initiative which aims to improve health outcomes, especially for those underrepresented in medicine. 

Sheila James, program officer and engagement specialist for the program, said one of the biggest problems researchers face is a lack of data.

“Up to now, most research is conducted by people who are of European ancestry and without diverse data, we are unable to make medical breakthroughs that are individualized and that are pertinent and help individuals,” said James.

This means that information on file is limited in scope, in that it only reflects some parts of the US population instead of everyone.

James noted that it’s important for researchers to understand how, for example, taking an aspirin may impact one person to the next. Ultimately, James said as they look to engage more than a million participants, the new data “Will reflect the rich diversity of the country so that we can learn about our environment, where we live and how we live.” 

The next stop for the tour is the Columbus Metropolitan Library at the Karl Road Branch. The schedule is from Tuesday to Friday, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.