NEWS RELEASE
April 27, 1998

Michigan Commission on Genetic Privacy and Progress to Hold Public Forum in Flint

The Michigan Commission on Genetic Privacy and Progress will hold a public forum in Flint on Tuesday, April 28, 1998. The meeting is scheduled to take being at 4:30 p.m. at the Sarvis Center, I-475 and Longway Blvd.

The Commission was established by Governor John Engler in 1997 and is responsible for providing policy recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature designed to protect the privacy of genetic information and to regulate its use. The Commission consists of experts in the fields of medicine, law, ethics, civil rights, insurance and pharmaceutical research as well as representatives of persons with genetic conditions.

"The Flint forum is one of seven public forums to be held throughout the state," said Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr. "We encourage individuals to attend the forums and share their views on the important issues of genetic research."

The Commission will recommend model state policies to protect the privacy of genetic information, to prevent discrimination, to regulate the uses of genetic information and to safeguard the interests of Michigan citizens.

The first forum was held last week in Grand Rapids. Future forums will be held in Detroit, Saginaw, Ann Arbor, Traverse City and Marquette.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT: Geralyn Lasher
April 27, 1998 (517) 241-2112