Latin@ Consumer Genetics Education Network: Meeting the need for a culturally and linguistically appropriate genetics education program for Latinos in NYC

In 2000, the Latin@ Consumer Genetics Education Network (Latin@ CGEN) of the Dominican Women's Development Center (DWDC) initiated a culturally and linguistically appropriate genetics educational campaign for the Latino/a population in Washington Heights/Inwood, NY. Genetics educational materials were developed on basic genetics information and issues of high importance to the Latino/a community, utilizing community based participatory strategies. Community Health Workers (Promotoras) and a local community advisory board were instrumental in developing a Promotoras genetics education training curriculum, bilingual educational DVD and DVD worksheet, and multimedia public announcements (PSAs). Promotoras conducted genetics education workshops and disseminated complementary educational materials to residents and constituencies of community based organizations. Community impact and involvement in creating, implementing and disseminating these educational materials will be shared. The Latin@ CGEN is composed of a group of community members and representatives of community and faith based organizations. It is one of the four programs of the Consumer Genetics Education Network (CGEN) project funded by March of Dimes and Health Resources Services Administration to help increase genetic literacy among Asian Americans, Native Americans, African Americans and Latino/a communities.