Innovative Population Health Study Announced

Nevada-based Renown Health and the Desert Research Institute are collaborating with 23andMe in a population health study in that state.

Combining health and environmental data collected by those institutions with genetic and phenotypic data from study participants who test with 23andMe, researchers hope to learn more about a broad range of public health risks.

Tapping into existing sources of data already collected by Renown, such as the health histories, patient demographics, as well as other social and environmental data points, researchers hope to better understand the health needs of residents in the state, said Anthony Slonim, M.D., DrPH, Renown Health president and CEO.

“This is the ultimate example of population health in action in a community based setting,” said Dr. Slonim.

Funded by the Renown Health Foundation and Nevada’s Knowledge Fund, this pilot study will offer 5,000 Nevada residents the opportunity to participate in this research and receive their 23andMe results, which include more than 65 personalized genetic reports on their health, traits and ancestry, at no cost. Using this study, researchers hope to build the infrastructure that could be used for all Nevada’s 2.8 million residents. This in turn could help researchers build predictive models to aid in better health outcomes for state residents.

The study will use 23andMe’s Genotyping Services for Research platform, which enables researchers to review genetic data and health-related survey responses from study participants. Combining genetic data with health and population data from Renown, as well as information from environmental databases, DRI scientists will analyze and model public health risks ranging from disease and illness, to the effects of air quality on the health of Nevadans.

“We see this as an innovative approach to population health that will benefit Nevadans, and could serve as a model for other states,” said Andy Page, president of 23andMe.