The Alpha-1 Channel

Laura Fleming tells us what's new on the Foundation website and Facebook Page and let's you know why YOU need to be an Alpha Friend!

A new website provides an introduction to the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) and its protections for health insurance and employment.

It includes answers to common questions about GINA and helpful examples.

This online resource was created by Genetic Alliance, the Genetics and Public Policy Center at the Johns Hopkins University, and the National Coalition for Health Professional Education in Genetics through funding by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

The GINA information website

Myrl Weinbeg, president of the National Health Council, has written an article on lowering the cost of healthcare from the patient’s viewpoint in The American Journal of Pharmacy Benefit.

"Despite having the most costly healthcare system in the world, the United States consistently under performs on most (healthcare) dimensions relative to other countries,” she writes.

Weinberg suggests that easy availability of information for patients—especially those with chronic health conditions—and involving patients in healthcare decisions, is needed to help lower costs.

We've got Weinbeg's article on our website!