Letter: Nationwide health tracking network needed

Friday, May 11, 2001 | 9:37 a.m.

The discovery of yet another case of leukemia in Fallon further underscores the importance of the investigation into the causes of the high incidence of childhood leukemia in Fallon.

Having participated in the Senate field hearing in Nevada, I heard firsthand the frustration from public health officials and families alike at the lack of needed health information. People agree that we need a much better understanding of cancer and other chronic diseases -- and their relationship to environmental factors -- before we can successfully prevent them.

The creation of a nationwide health tracking network for the purpose of tracking cancers, birth defects and other chronic diseases, as well as exposure to various environmental toxins, would give all public health officials a sound foundation of data from which to begin their investigations. Currently, this information is minimal, but knowing when and where chronic diseases occur, and their possible links to environmental factors, is critical in the investigation of and the protection against future disease.

What is needed is a nationwide health tracking network that comprehensively tracks health and environmental data. Armed with such clues, we will be able to not only treat these diseases, but also to start preventing them. The public deserves access to the information, and our public health officials deserve the best resources possible.

SHELLEY A. HEARNE The Trust for America's Health, Baltimore