Gene Discovery
Assessing the population impact of gene variants on disease, death and disability.
Examples:
- Measuring the burden of morbidity and mortality from birth defects through surveillance and epidemiology
- Evaluating representative samples of the U.S. population to assess gene frequencies
- Genetic Test Development and Evaluation: Evaluating genetic testing, including assessing tests and ensuring quality
Example:
- CDC's Newborn Screening Quality Assurance Program
Health Policy Development
Developing standards, regulations and guidelines through policy panels, technology assessment, consensus meetings and workshops.
Examples:
- Workshops on newborn screening for cystic fibrosis and population screening for iron overload
Integration of Genetic Tests into Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Developing and evaluating intervention programs and demonstration projects, providing professional and public education, and ensuring consumer access to tests and services.
What Is CDC Doing to Address the Public Health Opportunities Presented by Advances in Human Genetics?
In September 1996, Dr. David Satcher, former director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, appointed an agency-wide Task Force on Genetics and Disease Prevention to develop a strategic plan for coordinating and strengthening the CDC's activities in genetics and public health.
In October 1997, the Strategic Plan was approved and CDC's National Office of Public Health Genomics was formed.
In May 1998, the CDC and collaborators sponsored the First Annual Conference on Genetics and Public Health to increase awareness among public health professionals of the scope and process of integrating genetics into public health programs and to strengthen partnerships for disease prevention and health promotion efforts.
In December, 1999 the Second National Conference on Genetics and Public Health was held in Baltimore, Md., in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Health and Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health.
What Is "Prevention" in the Context of Genetics and Public Health?
"Prevention" concerns the use of medical, behavioral and environmental interventions to reduce the risk for disease and disability among people susceptible because of their genetic makeup. It does not include efforts to prevent the birth of infants with specific genotypes.
What Are Critical Issues Involved in the Application of Genetics to Disease Prevention and Health Promotion?
Partnerships and Coordination
- Among federal organizations
- Between federal, state and local organizations
- Between medicine and public health
- Among public, private and academic organizations
- Community and consumer involvement is crucial
Ethical, Legal and Social Issues
Many ethical, legal and social issues must be addressed in applying genetics to the promotion of health and prevention of disease and disability. Some of these include:
- Informed consent in public health genetic research and programs
- Legal issues in public health programs (e.g., mandatory vs. voluntary participation)
- Equal access to tests and services
- Privacy concerns in population-based surveillance programs
- Concerns about group stigmatization
Education and Training
The rapid expansion of the field of human genetics requires the ongoing education of the general public, public health professionals, health practitioners, policy makers, consumers and others.
How Will Genetics Change the Face of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion in the New Millennium?
With strong public health leadership, discoveries in human genetics will be translated into acceptable disease prevention and health promotion actions that are tailored to each individual's genetic makeup.
Source: National Office of Public Health Genomics, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Updated: January 11, 2007
