2006 Genetics Day on the Hill

“I think it is the best political action in which I have been involved in the past five years. It is amazing what you accomplished.”

Genetics Day on the Hill
September 27, 2006
Capitol Hill, Washington, DC

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Genetic Alliance’s Genetics Day on the Hill was a great opportunity to impact policy issues that affect all of us. Over 100 members of the Genetic Alliance community took our cause to key policymakers and educated them about genetic diseases, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act, and genetic testing regulation under CLIA. Washington policymakers have the ability to make decisions that impact laws throughout the nation, but we exercised our role in influencing those outcomes!

What was the most impactful aspect of the event?

“Seeing the faces of the staff change as you explained the necessity of laws for GINA and genetic testing.”

“The great leadership in the small groups which we traveled within and the camaraderie of this group. I felt well prepared, but more so, I felt empowered being in this group of dynamic women.”

“Having people from different points of view on the same team—professionals, patients, advocates, industry—it was really a nice mix.”

Genetics Day on the Hill began with a brunch briefing on key policy issues by Sharon Terry, President of Genetic Alliance; Dora Hughes, Legislative Assistant to Senator Barack Obama (D-IL); and Brian Petersen, Deputy Legislative Director to Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-IL). Next, all participants worked with leaders, who guided them through the schedule of six meetings with key Hill staffers. Finally, the event wrapped up with a debriefing and special group photo opportunity in front of the Capitol Building. Together, we got our message out to over 80 key officials and secured five new cosponsors of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act!

What can you expect at Genetics Day on the Hill next year?

Expect to make an impact! You will.

“The day was helpful in letting our policymakers know that we do not stand alone and that these issues are important to millions of Americans.”

Sharon Terry, President and CEO, at Genetics Day with Candice and Crystal Sipe of the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network.

Sharon Terry, President and CEO, at Genetics Day with Candice and Crystal Sipe of the Hermansky-Pudlak Syndrome Network

“It was a great experience. Very well run and executed. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and felt we did make an impact on the Hill.”

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (MD-8) meets with Genetics Day participants.