in the sampling plan. With the completion of
these activities, all field and laboratory work
identified in the project's goals will have been
accomplished. Results of this pilot will be
utilized by the participating villages and others
to make informed decisions about the risks and
benefits of the traditional diets in Alaska and to
assess the need for further studies. ATSDR sci-
entific staff members are continuing to provide
technical support to all efforts through active
participation on the Alaska Native Health Board
oversight committee.
Community-Based
Toxicology Curriculum
As part of the ATSDR's mission of community
outreach, the Division of Toxicology identified
the need for a toxicology curriculum designed
to meet identified needs of communities and
residents who live near hazardous waste sites or
who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals. At
ATSDR's request, the Institute of Public Health
at Florida A&M University collaborated with
community leaders to develop a project aimed at
educating and increasing communities' aware-
ness and understanding of toxicology and envi-
ronmental issues. The project materials were
completed during fiscal year 2002, and it is
anticipated that the materials will be tested in
several pilot communities in fiscal year 2003.
Geared toward the lay public and entitled
"Community-Based Toxicology," the curricu-
lum is an enhancement of ATSDR's Chemical
Specific Fact Sheets that address the most fre-
quently asked questions regarding hazardous
chemicals. The overall goal of the program is
to educate communities and increase awareness
and understanding about the toxicological issues
surrounding chemicals to which residents may
be exposed.
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