Privacy and security in genetic research

VA’s Million Veteran Program protects your data

The Million Veteran Program (MVP), VA’s largest genetic research effort, is studying how genes, lifestyle, military experiences and exposures affect health and wellness. Veterans who join MVP provide a blood sample for genetic analysis, complete surveys about health and wellness, and grant researchers secure access to their electronic health records. MVP keeps Veteran data secure and private every step of the way.

When you join MVP, you become part of a community of Veterans helping researchers make important health discoveries. MVP takes multiple steps to keep Veteran data safe.  

Your data is protected and secured  

All data storage occurs in the United States, inside computers and systems that have security programs (firewalls), encryption and password protection that follows VA privacy and IT security requirements.  

Your blood sample is securely shipped and stored 

All MVP blood samples are sent via next-day shipping to VA’s secure, temperature-controlled, central biorepository. There, authorized VA staff process each sample to obtain DNA so it can be used for research.  

Your data is coded with a unique barcode 

Your data and blood sample are labeled and identified with a unique barcode, instead of your name. Personally identifiable information (PII), like your name, address and Social Security number, is only available to a small group of authorized MVP staff. It is not included when your information is used for research. 

Your coded data is only accessed by approved researchers 

Only VA-approved researchers can access MVP data in secure environments. They look at group-level (summary) data, not information about individuals. Personal information about Veterans is never shared or taken out of these systems.   

Your data is private  

We do not share MVP participants’ data, including genetic information, to anyone outside of approved research projects. This means we will never share your information with health insurance companies, group health plans, family members or employers.  

Become part of MVP today

You can make a difference today by becoming part of MVP. To join, we’ll ask you to:

• Provide a blood sample for genetic research.
• Complete surveys to share information about your health, lifestyle and experiences.
• Grant us secure access to your health records so we can share relevant information with our researchers. We won’t share your name or any personal information that could identify you.
• Agree that we can contact you in the future about our research program.

You can join online or in person at a participating VA location. You don’t have to receive your care at VA to participate.

Visit MVP to read the latest research, read our frequently asked questions, or join today. Questions? Call us at 866-441-6075.