MEDIA ADVISORY

WHAT: Seattle Biomedical Research Institute (Seattle BioMed) is hosting interactive, roundtable discussions covering the spectrum of the burden of tuberculosis, from research challenges to public awareness-raising. Expert speakers from Seattle BioMed, Infectious Disease Research Institute and the Department of Health will talk about TB challenges and the hope Washington State brings in advancing new solutions to end the threat of this devastating disease. There will also be exhibits from Washington State Tuberculosis Advisory Council members, hands-on lab activities, tours of Seattle BioMed’s infectious disease research labs, and complimentary refreshments during a community networking reception. The event is free and open to the public. Event sponsorship is provided by the Firland Foundation.

WHO: Seattle BioMed’s Tuberculosis Program Director David Sherman, Ph.D., and BioQuest Director Theresa Britschgi, will start the program with an overview of TB and why it matters that our community cares about stopping this disease. Leaders of each of the four roundtable discussions are:

• Dr. Kim Field, WA DOH
  “TB Workgroup: How Doing More With Less Gives You More. More TB”
• Dr. Kevin Urdahl, Seattle BioMed, & Dr. Mark Orr, IDRI
  “21st Century Solutions to an Ageless Disease”
• Julie Tomaro, RN, Spokane Regional Health District
  “Communicating Around a Communicable Disease”
• Dr. Marissa Vignali, BioQuest
• “Barriers to TB Drug Delivery: Exploring the Waxy Build Up”
  Hands-on lab held in the BioQuest Lab   

WHEN: Thursday, March 24, 2011. Reception: 5:30-6:00 p.m. Panel Discussion & Interactive Activities: 6:00-8 p.m.

WHERE: Seattle Biomedical Research Institute, Discovery Conference Room, 307 Westlake Avenue North, Seattle, WA  98109

WHY: To draw attention to the increasing problem of tuberculosis. One in every three people worldwide carries the bacterium that causes TB, including increasing numbers of Washingtonians. TB causes 1.8 million deaths per year (5,000 per day) and yet, it’s a treatable disease. To call attention to the alarming facts and urge the public to focus efforts on eliminating TB, World TB Day is observed every year on March 24 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC).

VISUALS: Presentations of Washington's legacy with tuberculosis, current TB statistics and stories from persons affected by TB and care providers working with TB patients will interest a broad range of ages (12+) attending World TB Day.