Little Rock, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) invites the public to a unique experience with the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) traveling exhibit, the All of Us Journey. This engaging and educational exhibit will be stationed at 324 W. Campus Drive on the UAMS Little Rock campus from Tuesday, November 12 through Friday, November 15, 2024. The doors will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, welcoming visitors to explore the world of medical research through interactive activities and firsthand participation.
The All of Us Journey is more than just an exhibit; it is a mobile research lab that tours the United States, making stops in communities to encourage public involvement in health research. It features interactive stations, augmented reality experiences, and engaging quizzes that illustrate the impact of individual participation in advancing medical science.
Visitors will have the opportunity to join the All of Us Research Program directly at the exhibit. The process includes completing surveys and providing physical measurements along with blood and urine samples in specially designed private rooms within the exhibit. This direct engagement not only provides valuable health data to researchers but also allows participants to contribute to future medical breakthroughs.
UAMS Chancellor, Dr. Cam Patterson, emphasizes the significance of public participation, stating, “Public participation in research is critical to advancing lifesaving discoveries in medicine. This is an exciting opportunity for any Arkansan interested in understanding how they can help improve health and health care for years to come.”
The All of Us Research Program is an ambitious initiative aimed at accelerating health research and medical breakthroughs. By gathering health data from one million volunteers across the U.S., the program seeks to build a diverse database that reflects the variety of factors that influence health. Participants share information about their lifestyle, environment, and genetic background, which researchers can use to study a broad spectrum of health conditions.
This initiative stands out because it includes individuals from all walks of life—healthy and sick, from every community. The goal is to create a comprehensive research resource that supports myriad studies on health conditions, potentially ushering in new ways to treat or prevent disease.
The All of Us Journey is not only about data collection but also community engagement and education. According to Allison Mandich, M.S., director of the Participant Innovations Branch at the All of Us Research Program, “The future of health begins with us. If we want better health care for all of us, medical research needs to include all of us.”
Those interested in joining the All of Us Research Program can visit JoinAllofUs.org/drive to enroll in advance. After enrolling, participants can call 833-990-0200 to schedule an appointment to provide biosamples during the exhibit’s stay at UAMS. This is a chance for community members to be part of a movement that could transform the landscape of health research and care for generations to come.
