Oral

The rapid advances of genetic and genomic research have great potential to improve the public’s health. The potential impacts on health disparities of our evolving understanding and new technologies need to be carefully considered. The papers presented in this session will address access to genomic services, the implications of racial and ethnic identity in school-based genetics education, and participation in genetics research. The first paper will describe whether cancer genomic testing for breast and ovarian cancer and colorectal cancer is being used appropriately in the state of Oregon. The presentation will present data from multiple state and national sources exploring the use of cancer genomic testing. The second paper discusses the efforts of the Mountain States Genetics Regional Collaborative Center (MSGRCC) to improve access to genetic services for individuals affected with heritable disorders. The presentation will focus particularly on access to newborn screening as an example. In addition, ongoing efforts to promote understanding of genetics and newborn screening among first nation tribes will be described. In the third paper, implications of genetics research for the understanding of racial and ethnic identity will be addressed. This presentation will focus on the salience of the information for genetics education in middle and high school. Specific recommendations for curricular components will be presented. The fourth presentation will discuss research on intentions to donate blood and/or tissue samples for genetics research among African Americans. Prior research has shown that African American utilization of genetic services is low, but there is limited empirical data on intentions to participate in genetics research which may not be personally beneficial. This presentation will describe the implications of study purpose and research outcomes for participation intentions. Together, these papers will present some of the many ways in which genetics and genomics research and practice might impact health disparities.

Session Objectives: Describe issues in access to newborn screening in a large geographical area. Discuss the implications of racial and ethnic identity in school-based genetics education. Identify two factors that impact intentions to participate in genetics research among African Americans.

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