The American Council on Science and Health (ACSH) has announced the formation of an affiliate group, the New York City Advisory Council on Health Priorities ("Advisory Council"). This affiliate, funded by grants from two private New York City foundations (The Bodman and J. M. Foundations), will focus on public health issues of particular importance to New York City.
ACSH President Dr. Elizabeth M. Whelan noted that "the Advisory Council will take ACSH's traditional role of providing scientifically sound yet accessible information on a wide variety of public health issues." The Advisory Council will monitor health threats (real or perceived) within the five boroughs of New York City and will be available on short notice to provide accurate scientific information to the media, the public, city government, health agencies and hospitals, and local businesses. According to Cindy F. Kleiman, Coordinator of Toxicology Projects at ACSH, the Advisory Council will address "issues related to public health, environmental health, nutrition, food safety, chemicals, lifestyle, biotechnology, health-care reform, and health fraud." The Advisory Council will also serve as an educational resource for schools, clinics, and other groups.
The Advisory Council will operate out of ACSH's New York office under the direction of Dr. Elizabeth Whelan and will be headed by a research toxicologist. The council's panel of scientific advisors includes experts in medicine, public health, environmental health, toxicology, nutrition, health fraud, and health policy. Council members are based in the New York City area to be able to respond rapidly to unfolding issues.