Oral

The Community Genetics Education Network (CGEN) project is a collaborative agreement between the March of Dimes and the Health Resources and Services Administration that aims to increase genetic literacy in underserved communities in order to promote more informed health-related decision-making, increase dialogue with healthcare providers, and increase adoption of healthier lifestyles. It is imperative to ensure that people have a basic understanding of genetics, particularly underserved populations who suffer disproportionately from many common diseases, so they can benefit from the advances made possible by the Human Genome Project. Sites have been using community-based participatory approaches to develop, implement, evaluate, and disseminate culturally and linguistically tailored genetics education programs for school, clinic, and community settings. The interventions and intended audiences differ across sites providing an opportunity to examine cross-cutting genetics education processes and identify best practices in order to develop standardized genetics education models for dissemination. The goal of this panel is to share successful culturally and linguistically appropriate educational methods and materials that respond to the genetics education needs of the African American, Asian American, and Latino/Hispanic communities that participated in the CGEN Project. Session presenters will discuss the process and findings regarding participant satisfaction, knowledge, and behavior change.

Session Objectives: List three key lessons learned in the development and evaluation of community-based participatory genetics education projects. Identify strategies to increase genetic literacy and promote positive lifestyle changes in underserved populations. Describe the outcomes related to knowledge, intentions, and behaviors among participants in the community-based genetics education initiatives.

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)