July 2006

In the Family spent the last week of June filming in Washington DC. On June 27, Joanna presented a sample of the film to the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Genetics, Health, and Society (SACGHS), a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This panel of government officials, researchers, and experts advises the Secretary of Health and Human Services on genetic policy. Two days later, Joanna spoke and showed the sample in a policy briefing on Capitol Hill concerning the passage of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA). We also interviewed Congresswomen Judy Biggert (R-IL), the Bill’s lead sponsor, for the film. You can find out more about GINA and the efforts to pass the Bill here.

In the Family recently received grants from the Harry S. Black and Allon Fuller Fund, the Lucius and Eva Eastman Fund, and the Hugh Hefner Foundation. We are grateful for their support.

In the Family is proud to announce the establishment of outreach partnerships with the following organizations: Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders, Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE), Genetic Alliance, and the National Society of Genetic Counselors. These partnerships will be integral in developing our outreach campaign.

Last night, the Southwest Youth Collaborative honored Gordon and Jerry for the power of their films in the community at an event at the Hot House.

The Southwest Youth Collaborative is a joint venture of South/Southwest side Chicago youth and neighborhood organizations who together work with children and teens from “diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds to unleash their potential to become successful and actively contributing members of society.”