What is Public Health Genetics and Genomics?
Monitor health status to identify community health problems
Diagnose and investigate health problems and health hazards in the community
- Identify genetic risk factors to increase opportunities for early intervention
Inform, educate, and empower people about health issues
Mobilize community partnerships at the state and local levels to identify and solve health problems
- Engage community leaders when developing genetics policies
Develop policies and practices that support individual and community health efforts
Support laws and regulations that protect health and ensure safety
Link people to health services, including genetics services, and assure the provision of health care when otherwise unavailable
Assure a public health and personal health care workforce competent in genetics
- Educate primary care providers on genetic conditions
Evaluate effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of personal and population-based health services, including genetics
- CLIR for biochemical genetics tests/screens
Research for new insights and innovative solutions to health problems
- Consider social, ethical, and legal issues about integrating genetics practices into public health programs
Above information is Adopted from ASTHO's "Framework for Public Health Genetics Policies and Practices in State and Local Public Health Agencies" and the CDC's "Ten Essential Public Health Services".
Download as printable PDF
Public Health Genetics and Genomics System
Individuals
- Individuals with genetic conditions
- Families with a history of genetic conditions
- Caregivers
- General public
Institutions
- Hospitals
- Community health centers
- Higher education programs
Organizations
- Non-profit advocacy organizations
- Non-profit member organizations
- Genetic testing companies
- Grant programs
Public Health Agencies
- Local health departments
- State health departments
- Federal agencies
Genetics Providers
- Geneticist
- Genetic counselors
- Genetic nurses
- Metabolic dieticians
Non-Genetic Health Care Providers
- Primary care providers
- Specialty providers (oncologists, neurologists, cardiologists, etc.)
- Other health care professionals (interpreters, occupational therapists, etc.)
Public Health Professionals
- Local and state health department officials
- Laboratorians
- Health education specialists
- Federal public health professionals
Researchers
- Newborn screening researchers
- Clinical researchers
- Basic researchers
Public Health Genetics and Genomics Programs
Local/State Activities
Advocacy organizations, state agencies, and non-profit organizations work at the local and state level in public health genetics and genomics. Examples include:
Georgia PKU Connect - Provides Support and Education to Families for PKU
RareAction Network - Advocacy to State Legislatures
National Activities
Advocacy organizations, national agencies, and member organizations work at the national level in public health genetics and genomics. Examples include:
Undiagnosed Diseases Network - Genetics research provides connections to genetics patients
NewSTEPs - Supports newborn screening programs and labs
Minority and Special Populations Initiative
Global Activities
Advocacy organizations, national agencies, and member organizations work at the intersectional level in public health genetics and genomics. Example activities include:
Rare Disease Day - Raises awareness about rare diseases around the world
Lynch Syndrome International - Provides support and education to families for Lynch syndrome
