Veterans sought in Milwaukee for landmark gene-mapping project

Veterans can participate in a landmark gene-mapping project at the Milwaukee VA hospital on Thursday. 

The Million Veteran Program is collecting blood and information from veterans across the nation for research into illnesses that could lead to breakthroughs in treatment and cures. Researchers plan to use the samples to study diseases such as diabetes, cancer and military-related illnesses like post-traumatic stress disorder. 

The Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Milwaukee is one of 65 locations where samples are being taken by veterans already enrolled in the VA health care system.

Veterans can participate 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday at the south entrance of the medical center, 5000 W. National Ave. Participants give a blood sample and fill out a short health survey. The program is open to veterans who are already enrolled in the VA health care system.

Since the program began in 2011, more than 630,000 veterans have participated across the U.S. including 14,000 from the Milwaukee area.