The growing threat of the H1N1 pandemic and West Nile virus -- as well as other emerging zoonotic, food, or waterborne diseases and environmental changes -- has prompted experts to look for solutions to the increasingly integrated problems among animal, human, and environmental health. In turn, the nonprofit One Health Commission was created to develop a strategy for improved collaboration across human, animal, and ecosystem health sciences. The Institute of Medicine and National Research Council are joining the commission to host a half-day summit on Nov. 17 to raise awareness for this proposed single health initiative.

DETAILS: The summit will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon in the auditorium of the National Academy of Sciences building, 2100 C St., N.W., Washington, D.C. Those who cannot attend may listen to a live audio webcast of the event at http://www.national-academies.org. An agenda and more information on the summit can be found online. Reporters who wish to attend must register with the National Academies' Office of News and Public Information; tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail