News
Foundation President John Walsh one of six appointed to National Institutes of Health Council of Public Representatives
WASHINGTON—Elias A. Zerhouni, MD, Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), today announced the selection of John Walsh, President and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation, and five others to serve as members of the Director’s Council of Public Representatives (COPR), the advisory committee to the NIH Director on issues important to the public.
“These new members bring extensive knowledge and professional experience in public health law and policy, school-based health, state health policy, outreach to underserved communities, patient advocacy, and business management and technology development, along with a strong commitment to enhancing public participation in biomedical and behavioral research,” said Zerhouni.
The other new members are Micah Berman, JD, of Boston; Lora Church of Albuquerque; Eileen Naughton, JD, of Rhode Island; Carlos Pavão, MPA, of Atlanta; and James Wong, PhD, of San Jose.
New COPR members will participate as confirmed members at the next COPR meeting, scheduled for Oct. 31. The meeting will highlight such topics as genomics, the NIH Public Trust Initiative, and Director’s Council Member reports.
The COPR brings important matters of public interest forward for discussion and advises and assists in enhancing public participation in NIH activities and in increasing public understanding of NIH.
