Leaders in Health and Genetics Acknowledged by Genetic Alliance Awards
Awardees Recognized as Key Contributors to Transforming Health through Genetics

WASHINGTON – March 10, 2009 – Genetic Alliance, a nonprofit health advocacy organization, announced that Joseph D. McInerney, Frank Lehmann-Horn, Gautam Naik, and Talecris Biotherapeutics will be honored for their contributions to the genetics community at the 2009 Genetic Alliance Awards Banquet on July 18, 2009.

“These awards honor three individuals and one company for sharing their experiences, knowledge, time and talents to improve health through genetics,” said Sharon Terry, president and CEO of Genetic Alliance. “We are excited to highlight the unique contributions of each award recipient.”

The Art of Advocacy Award will recognize Joseph D. McInerney for his tireless advocacy for knowledge: in science, in education, in health. Joe’s leadership has been both extraordinary and humble. He has been creative and visionary in the direction he imparted to National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics (NCHPEG), for which he was executive director from October 2000 through December 2008. He has been involved in genetics education for more than 30 years, developing educational programs for audiences ranging from K-16 students and teachers to health professionals. He holds a Master of Science in genetic counseling from the State University of New York, Stony Brook. He is also a charter member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors. McInerney has developed resources, educational tools and more than 100 publications that have impacted advocacy and research in the genetic community. Since his retirement from NCHPEG in 2008, he has remained active in NCHPEG programs and is serving a three-year term as chairman of the American Society of Human Genetics, Information and Education Committee. His many contributions to the genetics community are marked with striking passion and integrity.

The Art of Listening Award will honor Dr. Lehmann-Horn for his caring professionalism and impact on the lives of individuals and families living with genetic conditions. He is a professor and chairman of the Ulm Muscle Centre at Ulm University, in Germany, where he specializes in genetics and in-vitro electrophysiology. Dr. Lehmann-Horn works with patients living with genetic conditions during his private time. Exemplified by his work with patients affected by periodic paralysis, Dr. Lehmann-Horn listens with sensitivity in order to identify the best diagnosis and treatment options for his patients. His support, attitude and partnership with advocacy organizations, such as the Periodic Paralysis Association, indicate his ability to truly listen and understand patients beyond medical diagnosis.

Gautam Naik will receive the Art of Reporting Award for reporting dynamically about developments in genetics and the impact of these discoveries on people’s lives. Naik is a journalist at the Wall Street Journal. In 2008, his article on Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease and Congenital Hepatic Fibrosis presented the scientific complexity of prenatal diagnosis and the life-changing decisions many families face as a result. Naik’s openness and ability to capture truth and intricacy of genetic conditions is the product of in-depth research and collaboration with individuals, researchers and advocacy organizations. His articles generate fresh dialogue around the impact of emerging technologies on health and society.

The Art of Industry Partnership Award will recognize Talecris Biotherapeutics for supporting creative partnerships in advancing the understanding and treatment of genetic conditions, disorders and diseases. Talecris Biotherapeutics, Inc. is a global biotherapeutics company that discovers, develops and manufactures critical care treatments for people with life-threatening disorders in a variety of therapeutic areas. Their 17-year partnership with the Alpha-1 community is a hallmark of the Talecris commitment to advocacy organizations. The company helped create the world’s largest Alpha-1 research registry and supported the development of educational materials, while offering grants to Alpha-1 groups and awareness campaigns in North America and Europe. Lawrence Stern, chairman and chief executive officer of Talecris will accept on behalf of the organization.

With a network of more than 10,000 organizations, Genetic Alliance brings together parent and family groups, community organizations, professional societies, corporations and government agencies to transform health systems through improved access to information, research and services.

The banquet takes place during the Genetic Alliance Annual Conference, Discovering Openness in Health Systems, July 17-19, 2009. For more information, visit http://www.geneticalliance.org/conference09.

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About Genetic Alliance
Genetic Alliance transforms health through genetics, promoting an environment of openness centered on the health of individuals, families, and communities. Genetic Alliance brings together diverse stakeholders that create novel partnerships in advocacy; integrates individual, family, and community perspectives to improve health systems; and revolutionizes access to information to enable translation of research into services and individualized decision making. For more information about Genetic Alliance, visit http://www.geneticalliance.org.