Thursday, July 16, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM Capitol Hill Reserve Officers Association (ROA) One Constitution Avenue, NE Fifth Floor, Minuteman Ballroom A&B Washington, DC 20002

Thank you to all participants for making this year the most exciting and dynamic Genetics Day on the Hill yet!

At Genetics Day 2009, we tackled key issues in healthcare reform and educated Congressional staff on genetics and health. Participants had the opportunity to visit the offices of their elected officials to discuss what is important to them and their families, work, and communities. Individuals representing a cross-section of the health community—disease-specific organizations, researchers, healthcare providers, industry, policy organizations, individuals, families, and more-—participated in the event.

View Genetics Day on the Hill photo album.

The day began with a networking breakfast and briefing at 8:30 AM at the Reserve Officers Association (ROA), located at One Constitution Avenue, NE, on Capitol Hill (just steps away from the Senate office buildings). Upon registration, participants were placed in small groups based on geographic region, and each small group had a designated group leader. After breakfast, group leaders led participants on a series of three appointments with Congressional offices before returning to the ROA for lunch and sharing strategies for success in communicating with Hill offices. After lunch, we gathered on the Capitol steps for a group photo, then group leaders led participants on a series of three more appointments with Congressional offices. We reconvened at the ROA for an event debrief. We were joined by Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-RI), who discussed health reform, the Genomics and Personalized Medicine Act, and the importance of the advocacy community engaging in the policymaking process. The event concluded at 5:00 PM. Genetic Alliance staff then guided participants to Gene Screen, which began at 6:30 PM at E Street Cinema.

Genetics Day participants prepared for the event by attending a special webinar series on the issues we brought to the Hill. Listen to recordings of our Genetics Day Webinars.

Background Materials for Genetics Day Participants

Read about Genetics Day on the Hill 2008 and view the event slideshow.

For questions about Genetics Day on the Hill 2009 and past policy events, please contact Andria Cornell, Advocacy and Health Policy Manager, at acornell@geneticalliance.org.

Thank you to our 2009 Genetics Day on the Hill Sponsors!