Together for Change T4C Great Health Study
Together for CHANGE (T4C) Initiative: Meharry is leading one of the most transformative projects, “Changing Health Care for People of African-Ancestry through an InterNational Genomics Initiative” (Together for CHANGETM). It was launched on October 18, 2023, by the Diaspora Human Genomics Institute (DHGI), founded by Meharry Medical College in partnership with a consortium of pharmaceutical members, Regeneron, AstraZeneca, Novo Nordisk, and Roche. The launch of the initiative attracted coverage from over 250 news outlets including Science, Associated Press, ABC, NBC, African Dream, Bloomberg Radio, BBC etc, with 35.5 million unique digital views of the press release.
Together for CHANGE is a 10-year initiative which aims to improve health, health care, education, and training of people of African ancestry in health awareness, disease prevention education, and treatment development. One major aim is to create the first comprehensive genomics database for individuals of African ancestry. This groundbreaking project seeks to increase the representation of people of African ancestry in pharmacological and medical research to inform medical research, treatments, and interventions that are more accurately tailored to the needs of these populations. Another major aim is to develop educational pathways to empower student and faculty researchers at institutions across the United States and Africa. Through the DHGI-HBCU Community STEM Research and Education Grant Program, DHGI has signed an agreement with Meharry Medical College to advance its research and education mission through a series of targeted initiatives. The funds will support the following key components:
Meharry Research and Training Programs
The support for Meharry’s Research and Training Programs aims to strengthen the institution’s research enterprise by enhancing research capacity, advancing educational and scientific infrastructure, and enabling the launch of innovative research initiatives. This support will foster local and global research collaborations, with an emphasis on innovation and discovery in the biological sciences including, but not limited to, genomics, bioinformatics, and population health
T4C Great Study
The Together for CHANGE (T4C) Great Study is coordinated by the Diaspora Human Genomics Institute (DHGI). The goal of this study is to create a genomic database of people of African ancestry, which may lead to discovery of new gene association with diseases or help with new treatments especially of people of African ancestry. Doctors may be able to use the information from the study research results to make better health decisions for people of African ancestry. The study will be beneficial to the health and well-being of people of African ancestry and future generations.
High School Summer Internship Program
The High School Summer Internship Program is an immersive educational experience designed to introduce high school students to advanced scientific research and career pathways in STEM. Through this program, students will have the exceptional opportunity to work alongside Meharry researchers, gain hands-on experience in laboratory environments, and develop critical skills that will support their future academic and professional goals. This program reflects Meharry’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists by providing early exposure and technical training in the biological sciences. By the end of the internship, students will not only have deepened their understanding of the biological sciences but will also have developed critical thinking, teamwork, and presentation skills essential for academic and professional success.
Establishment of the Master’s Program in Genetic Counseling
The Genetic Counseling Program will address the growing national need for trained genetic counselors. It will provide rigorous academic and clinical preparation to equip future graduates for certification and careers in healthcare, research, and public health. By integrating comprehensive coursework with hands-on clinical experience, the program will ensure proficiency in genomics and patient-centered care. It will also promote interdisciplinary research and support ongoing advancements in the fields of genetics and genomics.