December 2003 Study Assembly Meeting Announcement 

Millions of American children today are experiencing asthma, obesity, diabetes, injury-related disabilities, and developmental disorders. Communities across our nation are struggling to address the challenges and consequences these conditions present.
In response to these challenges, federal agencies have joined together with public and private organizations to create the National Children's Study. The Study will follow 100,000 children to age 21 to study the effects of the environment on their health and development and provide answers to questions about children's health for years to come.

Please join other national leaders in a town hall meeting about this groundbreaking research. Participate in this opportunity to learn more about the challenges and benefits
of the Study, share your ideas, and contribute to the successful outcome of this extraordinary scientific endeavor.

The new scientific knowledge gained from the National Children's Study will benefit the nation's children and families and communities beyond what has before been envisioned in the field of children's health. We hope that you will add your voice to the voices of American communities to make this a truly collaborative national effort.

VADM Richard H. Carmona, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.S.
Surgeon General, United States Public Health Service

Julie Gerberding, M.D., M.P.H.
Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Duane Alexander, M.D.
Director, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development

Talk with Study designers and researchers about the goals, methods, and expected outcomes of the National Children's Study. Topics will include:

• Children's Environmental Health Issues
• Engaging Communities
• Public-Private Partnerships
• Stakeholder Involvement
• Pilot Studies Findings
• Ethics

When you register, let us know what other topics you would like to address at these sessions.