ARIC Newsletter- Minneapolis

The ARIC staff at the University of Minnesota are impressed with the continuing interest/enthusiasm of our ARIC participants. We appreciate that “snow birds” allow us to telephone them at their winter homes far from MN, as they tell us the warm temperatures they are enjoying.

The Minneapolis staff include:
Aaron Folsom, MD – Principal Investigator
Scott Allen – Interviewer
Laura Kemmis
Nancy MacLennan, RN
Aine McCormack – Interviewer
Eyal Shahar, MD
LaVonne Sjoberg – Interviewer
Rita Smith
Margaret Skelton – Lead Interviewer
Phyllis Thomas, RN
Gina Tritle, RN – Coordinator

The total number of years the MN staff have been involved with the ARIC Study adds up to an amazing 135 years!

As you know, ARIC often is interested in studying records of medical events you may report. In order to ensure your consent, we request a consent form for release of medical information. In the last year, federal law has required an additional HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) consent. We are grateful for our participants’ understanding of the need for paperwork to comply with this federal law. It further ensures that personal health data remain private and go only where the participant indicates it should go.

Thank you to all who have been so loyal to the ARIC Study over these years. We continue to look forward to talking with you annually.