CARD to send representative to NIH conference
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The Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) has received a scholarship to send a representative from the Libby community to participate in the National Institute of Health’s Annual Partnerships for Environmental Public Health (PEPH) conference.
The focus of the conference is to connect community members, scientists, health-care providers and others to share ideas about translating research into action in order to address environmental exposures and risks to public health.
Jennifer Fortner, a Libby native who has worked at the CARD clinic since 2008, will be presenting as a representative of the Libby community and the Childhood Health Investigation and Exposure Follow-up Study (CHIEFS) research project at this event.
Fortner works hands-on with CARD patients and research participants to both educate about and carry out research activities at CARD. Her unique experience and understanding of both the community and CARD’s research goals make her a perfect choice for this opportunity.
When asked about representing the Libby community in our nation’s capital Jennifer replied, “It is a great honor and privilege to be representing CARD and my community at PEPH.
“As a Research Associate I go to work every day to learn more about Libby Amphibole and the effects it has on my family, friends or anyone for that matter, who has had an asbestos exposure. This is also a great opportunity for CARD to let researchers know that we are eager to continue research on the health effects of Libby Amphibole and encourage them to contact us for future collaborative research activities. The more we learn the more we understand.”
The conference will consist of a series of group discussions on focused topic areas related to three themes: Research Translation, Capacity Building and Communication. There will be an opening plenary session of leaders in the field to kick-off the meeting, poster sessions, and group discussions.
If you are interested in learning more about CARD research please visit www.libbyasbestos.org or contact us at 406 293-9274.