Mental health is just as important as physical health, and that became prominent during the pandemic. The need for equitable access to health and mental health resources is higher than ever before. Active Minds is proud to partner with the All of Us Research Program to help researchers discover future health discoveries and breakthroughs. Research helps us understand more about what makes us sick, uncovers health patterns, and contributes to new discoveries.
The All of Us Research Program, from the National Institutes of Health, is one of the most diverse health research programs ever. All of Us is looking for one million participants from around the United States to help researchers understand how certain health conditions can affect people and communities differently. The more research reveals what makes each of us unique, the more tailored health care can become. Over 350,000 participants have already joined so far, more than 50% of whom are people of color.
At Active Minds, we recognize the need for the student voice and experience in precision medicine. We have selected four Active Minds All of Us Ambassadors to share more about the All of Us research program on their respective campuses. We’re excited to introduce you to:
Emma Paulsen 
School: Montana Technical Institute
Year in School: First year
Major: Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
I am interested in the All of Us Research Program because I believe it will change the way that we receive treatment from healthcare providers for generations to come. I want to be a part of the reason people are given the right treatment on the first try. There have been so many times in my life where I have watched healthcare professionals struggle to provide the right treatment the first time around, and I want to ensure that no one else has to go through what I have watched and experienced.
Maya Usher 
School: Montana State University
Year in school: First year
Major: Criminology
Minors: Philosophy, writing, psychology, and human development
I’m interested in the All of Us research program because I think representation in all fields is important. The All of Us research program addresses the lack of diversity in the research used for the medical field so modern medicine will be able to help more people than it is capable of doing now.
Grace Bingay
School: Pacific Lutheran University
Year in school: Fourth-year
Major: Psychology
Minor: Sociology
I’m interested in the All of Us research program because it is so important to learn about the stories of individual people. The research provides an opportunity for large-scale change to happen with personalized healthcare, something that will drastically change lives for all people, both mentally and physically.
Lauren Cross 
School: South Puget Sound Community College
Year in school: Second year
Major: Psychology
I’m interested in the All of Us research program because I want to do something that will help future generations. All of Us aspires to diversify and personalize healthcare so we no longer have to rely on a one-size-fits-all approach that may not prove effective for underrepresented populations. Moreover, in the time of COVID-19, healthcare should be a priority for anyone of every background. I’m young enough that I may receive some value from this study in the distant future, but it’s more likely that my children and grandchildren will reap the most benefits. I’m really excited that I’m going to be a part of something that will make a lasting impact.
It takes all of us to make a difference in research and precision medicine. To learn how you can join us in helping researchers find answers, visit joinallofus.org/activeminds.
