Geisinger Launches PERSIST Study in Response to Community Concerns About PFAS Exposure

DANVILLE, Pa. -
In response to growing concerns from residents about PFAS contamination in local water supplies, Geisinger has launched the PERSIST Study, a new research initiative designed to better understand how exposure to these chemicals may affect the health of people living in affected communities. The study was developed following community outreach and collaboration and increasing public interest in understanding potential long-term health impacts of PFAS, often referred to as "forever chemicals."

PFAS are man-made chemicals that take a long time to degrade, so they persist in the environment and the human body. Recent reporting and local water testing by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) have raised concerns among residents in parts of Geisinger's service area, particularly in communities where PFAS have been detected in public or private water sources. The PERSIST Study represents an important first step toward providing answers for families seeking more information about their potential exposure and health risks.

"This study is about listening to our communities and responding with science," said Carly McCabe, lead investigator, PERSIST. "Residents have asked important questions about PFAS exposure and what it may mean for their health. Through this research, we hope to provide meaningful data that can help individuals, communities and public health leaders make informed decisions."

The study aims to enroll 200 participants of all ages. Eligible participants include people who currently live, or have lived, in North Centre Township. Participants will complete a brief questionnaire about lifestyle and environmental exposures and provide a blood sample. Participants will have their blood sample tested for PFAS compounds (free of charge) and receive their test results.

For Geisinger, the PERSIST Study reflects a broader commitment to addressing concerns identified by the communities it serves. Researchers hope the findings will reduce uncertainty surrounding PFAS exposure, provide clearer insights into real-world exposure in the region and support future public health and environmental protection efforts.

Residents interested in participating can learn more about the study by visiting go.geisinger.org/persistscreen, emailing [email protected] or calling 866-910-6486 and selecting option 4.

About Geisinger College of Health Sciences
Educating. Inspiring. Leading. At Geisinger College of Health Sciences, we bring innovation and purpose together to educate the next generation of healthcare leaders. As the academic and research arm of the Geisinger family, our college was founded to enhance and improve community health, with a focus on discovery, hands-on learning and applied practice across our system. Today, we offer a research institute, graduate medical education, schools of medicine, graduate education and nursing, and faculty and professional development programs. Visit geisinger.edu/gchs.

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