The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that veterans can now join its genetic research study, the Million Veteran Program (MVP) online.
The program, which began in 2011 is one of the largest programs on genetics and health in the world. It studies how military exposures, lifestyle and genetics affects a person's health. Currently there are over 825,000 veterans enrolled.
"MVP has already resulted in a number of important scientific publications that increase our knowledge of conditions that affect Veterans' health, and we expect this resource to continue to prove its value over the coming years," said VA Secretary Robert Wilkie. "VA is excited to announce the launch of MVP Online, which will make it even easier for Veterans nationwide to take part in this landmark research effort."
Veterans who join MVP will be asked to complete surveys that ask about health, lifestyle habits, military experience, personal and family history online or through the mail, complete a one-time short visit to a VA medical center to provide a blood sample for genetic analysis, and agree to future MVP contact.
Research using MVP data has already resulted in significant findings in understanding the role of genetics in diseases like PTSD, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and more.
Visit the Million Veteran Program website for more details and to sign up for the program.
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