Who: The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will host two meetings of its Community and Tribal Subcommittee (CTS) on Tuesday, November 13, and Wednesday, November 14, 2001, at the Sheraton, Colony Square Hotel, 188 14th Street, Atlanta, Georgia.

Why: The primary agenda items for the meeting will be: a discussion on individual rights and informed consent; a presentation on the Academia Agency Community Network; a review of ATSDR's improved public health assessment process; and a report on the CTS evaluation process. Also, on the agenda is updating the following CTS task force progress reports: how to improve cultural sensitivity of ATSDR staff, how to involve and engage communities, and how to communicate toxicology and public health information. The meetings are open to the public, but seating is limited.

Background: The Community and Tribal Subcommittee is comprised of four ATSDR Board of Scientific Counselors (BSC) members. Eleven individuals from communities and tribes affected by environmental contamination serve as special consultants to the CTS. The CTS provides the BSC and ATSDR with the views and recommendations of community and tribal representatives on ATSDR's community involvement program, practices, policies, and other issues affecting communities and tribes near Superfund and hazardous waste sites.

What: A public comment period in which members of the public can call in to express their opinions or concerns will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2001 from 2:30 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Individuals can participate by calling toll free, 1-800-311-3437. The conference code is 112038. Please call between 2:15 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. to be placed in the call-in que.

For more information: Members of the public who would like more information about ATSDR's Community and Tribal Subcommittee, the upcoming meeting, or the call-in opportunity can call ATSDR Health Communication Specialist Ruby Palmer, toll free, at 1-888-42-ATSDR (1-888-422-8737).