Genetic Guide Published By State DPH

HARTFORD — The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) announced a new guidebook titled Understanding Genetics: A New England Guide for Patients and Health Professionals. The guidebook was developed by DPH in collaboration with the Genetic Alliance, a national advocacy organization dedicated to serving those with genetic conditions, and the New England Public Health Genetics Education Collaborative.

“This guidebook will help educate the public and medical providers about genetics and its significance to health, and will help inform residents in Connecticut and throughout New England about the potential health benefits associated with increased genetic awareness,” said DPH Commissioner J. Robert Galvin, MD, MPH, MBA. “We wish to thank the Genetic Alliance for working with us and the other members of the New England Public Health Genetics Education Collaborative on this important document, which represents another step forward toward the integration of genetics and public health.”

“This joint project will provide a much needed resource to patients and providers in New England,” said Sharon Terry, president and CEO, Genetic Alliance of Washington, D.C. “The Understanding Genetics guide helps expand the exceptional work underway in the region connecting patients, providers, and the public to quality resources and information.”

The guidebook provides educational resources on genetics for the public, patients, and health professionals in Connecticut and the New England states and increases awareness of specialty care in genetics. It offers a basic introduction to genetics concepts and describes the different types and applications of genetic tests. It also provides information about the diagnosis of a genetic disease, family history taking, newborn screening, and genetic counseling. A section on local information focuses on patient care, patient and professional education, and specialty genetics services in Connecticut.

This 80-page manual is available on the DPH website at www.dph.state.ct.us/genomics. Print copies are being distributed to libraries and medical centers across the state.