NEWS RELEASE
April 17, 1998

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

The Michigan Commission on Genetic Privacy and Progress will hold a public forum in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, April 21, 1998 in Grand Rapids. The meeting is scheduled to take place from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Eberhard Center at Grand Valley State University, 301 W. Fulton.

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 Grand Rapids forum will be the first of seven public forums 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.

Future forums will be held in Flint, Detroit, Saginaw, Ann Arbor, Traverse City and Marquette.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PRESS CONTACT: Geralyn Lasher
April 17, 1998 (517) 241-2112