4248.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 5:20 PM

Abstract #28909

Genetic education for native americans (GENA)

Linda Burhansstipanov, MPH, DrPH, Executive Director, Native American Cancer Research (NACR), 3022 S. Nova Rd, Pine, CO 80470, 303-838-9359, natamlb@aol.com, Lynne Bemis, PhD, Medical Oncology, Unv. of Colorado Health Sciences Center, BRB 502, 4200 E. Ninth Ave, Denver, CO 80262, Mark Dignan, PhD, MPH, Health Behavior, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, 227 Ryals Public Health Building, Birmingham, AL 35294, Francine Romero, PhD, MPH, Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board, Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center, 527 SW Hall #300, Portland, OR 97201, and Clifton Poodry, PhD, Director, Minority Opportunities in Research, National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), Bldg: 45, Suite 2AS.37H, 45 Center Dr; MSC -6200, Bethesda, MD 20892.

Genetic Education for Native Americans (GENA) has been implemented from 1998 through 2001 by Native American Cancer Research (an Indian-owned and operated non-profit organization)and is funded by the Ethical,Legal,and Social Implications(ELSI)of the National Human Genome Research Institute NHGRI)of NIH. The primary goal of this three-year study is to provide culturally competent education about genetic research and genetic testing to Native American college and university students. The secondary goal is to increase the number of Native people who have access to scientific mentoring experiences in genetic counseling,education, research and other opportunities or careers.

This presentation will summarize findings from the project, including the comparison of the "customized GENA modules" with the "16-hour comprehensive curriculum". Nine GENA participants were provided partial support for a supervised mentoring experience (e.g., working with a genetic counselor or in a genetic's laboratory) in diverse regions of the US. Highlights from their trainee experience will also be shared.

See members.aol.com/natamcan

Learning Objectives: The participants will be able to A. Compare the effectiveness of the two versions of the GENA curricula. B. Identify unique characteristics of the GENA student mentoring opportunities

Keywords: Genetics, Native Americans

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA