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The Million Veteran Program (MVP) is a national, voluntary research program designed to help researchers better understand how genes affect health and illness, with the goal of improving

health care for Veterans.

MVP aims to be one of the largest programs on genes and health in the United States. With an expected enrollment of one million Veterans, MVP provides an important opportunity to understand

genes and health. An increasingly common way to gain knowledge in this area is to collect genetic samples and health information from large groups of people. Researchers may use this

information to learn how genes, lifestyle, and military experiences affect health and disease.

Veterans interested in participating in this program can call 866-441-6075.

Genes carry instructions for building and maintaining our bodies. They determine the color of our eyes and hair, our height, and other personal features. Small differences in our genes may

also explain why some people get diseases and others do not. In addition, genes interact with our lifestyle factors and environment to influence our risk for common illnesses, such as heart

disease, diabetes, and cancer. Genes may also affect how people respond to certain medications and treatments. Having a better understanding of how genes work may help to prevent and improve

treatment of disease.

Any Veteran receiving care in the VA health care system can participate. Participation includes:

Research findings based on MVP may lead to new ways of preventing and treating illnesses in Veterans and all Americans.

While your participation may not immediately benefit you, over time what we learn from MVP will benefit all Veterans and the population at large.

Patient safety and information security are the top priorities in MVP and all VA research. If you participate in MVP, your privacy and confidentiality are protected in the following ways:

Participation in MVP is entirely voluntary and will not in any way affect Veterans’ access to health care or benefits. For more information about MVP, visit https://www.research.va.gov/mvp/

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