written by Sarah L. Minor, MS

Pictured above, left to right, back row: Cole Riddle, MiaOshia Curier, Alexandre Jassoud, Adrienne Smith, Camryn Ware, Jakari Gardner, Bill Andrews, Dr. Dalton Norwood; front row: Cathy Cartagena, Julie Schach, Cynthia Johnson, Ishita Shah, Eleni Heller, Erica Gooden, Courtney Guidry, Zully Del Valle, Nakesha Davis

The All of Us Research Program is an ambitious initiative, launched by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to gather health data from one million people living in the United States, prioritizing underrepresented communities. The program's mission is to build a comprehensive, representative database that will provide a more precise understanding of health and disease, thereby shaping the future of healthcare.

At UAB, one of the essential players in this endeavor is Julie Schach, who serves as the recruitment liaison of the Southern All of Us Network, and a Program Director III in the Division of Preventive Medicine and MHERC’s Recruitment and Retention Shared Facility. Schach's role has been pivotal in directing recruitment, enrollment, and retention for the All of Us Research Program at various locations including UAB Kirklin Clinic, UAB Highlands (ambulatory and inpatient), Medical Towers, Cooper Green, UAB Dothan, UAB Montgomery, and UAB Selma.

Schach recognizes that the success of All of Us relies on a cohesive team of supportive management, coordinators, and specialist teams. Cy Johnson, co-manager of the Recruitment and Retention Shared Facility works with Schach on recruitment strategies and implementation, along with Dalton Norwood, M.D., Cathy Cartagena, Jenny Hayes, Alexandre Jassoud, MBA, Shelly Olive, Beth Ruf, Adrienne Smith, and Alia Williams who lead a robust team comprised of 37 dedicated staff members. This dynamic team, armed with a deep understanding of the All of Us Research Program, is committed to enlisting participants and building a community that will shape the future of healthcare. Their approach is rooted in thorough preparation and training, which has been instrumental in exceeding recruitment goals.

Enrolling in All of Us opens doors to a personalized health journey for these participants. Schach emphasizes the potential benefits by saying, "If you join All of Us you can help researchers learn why people get sick or stay healthy. If you choose to provide bio samples, like blood or saliva, you may choose to learn more about your DNA." Participants gain insights into genetic ancestry, risk for hereditary diseases, and how their bodies react to medications. AOU's nationwide approach promotes accessibility; enrollment can be completed via a smart device or computer, with staff assistance available on-site or over the phone. Beyond the prospect of contributing to groundbreaking research, participants receive a monetary incentive for their time investment and join a community that is making a tangible impact on the future of healthcare.

Bringing the program to the community's doorstep is a crucial aspect of AOU's strategy. Months of planning precede the deployment of their mobile clinical research unit, which visits various locations in Alabama. Schach explains, "We plan at least 1-2 months in advance and carefully coordinate the community enrollment with the mobile clinic.” This proactive approach involves conversations with local stakeholders, logistical planning, and targeted marketing through social media, TV ads, radio spots, mailings, and flyers. Such careful coordination ensures that the AOU message reaches the community effectively, expanding the program's reach.

The team's success is evident in the impressive enrollment numbers. To date, UAB has enrolled 17,250 participants, UAB Dothan has 346, Cooper Green has 2,278, and Selma has 1,994. In total, the team has enrolled 21,517 participants, a testament to their dedication and strategic approach.

Schach and her team have not only met their recruitment goals but have also surpassed the national average in enrolling participants from underrepresented biomedical research (UBR) groups. "To date, All of Us at UAB has trended not only above our goal (86% UBR), but above the national average (81% UBR)," Schach proudly states. This achievement is a result of strategic initiatives like inpatient enrollment, mobile van outreach, and the establishment of affiliate sites.

The team's success in enlisting UBR participants is crucial to the All of Us program's mission. By ensuring a diverse participant pool, the program can provide a more accurate representation of the U.S. population, thereby enabling researchers to conduct more comprehensive and inclusive studies. This inclusivity is key to understanding the various factors that influence health and disease, and to developing personalized healthcare solutions that cater to the unique needs of every individual.

The AOU Research Program, with its focus on personalized medicine and translational science, is poised to revolutionize healthcare. The program's success is largely due to the tireless efforts of professionals like Julie Schach and her team, who are committed to enlisting a diverse range of participants and building a comprehensive, representative database. Their work is not just about meeting recruitment goals; it's about building a brighter future for healthcare, one participant at a time.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to make a difference! Join All of Us today and contribute your time. Participants will receive $25 as a thank you for their valuable input. With just a few hours per year, individuals can actively participate in the program's activities. By sharing your data, you will have access to groundbreaking research and become part of a community of like-minded individuals already making an impact.

For more information, please visit joinallofus.org/UAB, email allofus@uabmc.edu, or call 1-833-JOIN-UAB.