The START Study Storybook
The START Study Storybook was developed by the Aboriginal Governance Council (AGC), community members alongside the START Study research team.
The idea for the storybook came from the question children asked most often during the study:
“What happens to my blood sample?”
The storybook explains why the study was done, how it was carried out, and what researchers learned. It follows the journey of the blood samples and shares what researchers found from them, helping children and families understand how their samples are being used to support the development of a test for detecting Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF).
The START Study has generated important new knowledge about ARF and created a foundation for future diagnostic tests that may improve early detection and outcomes for children and young people. What was learned through the START Study continues to support further research into diagnostics, and we remain committed to sharing new knowledge and findings back with participating families and communities.
Above all, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families who generously and bravely participated in the START Study. Your contributions are creating lasting change.
