Recorded presentation

Carol L. Stone, PhD¹, Beverly Burke, MSW², and Meg Hooper, MPA². (1) Health Care Quality, Health Statistics and Analysis, CT Department of Public Health, 410 Capitol Ave, MS #13PPE, Hartford, CT 06106, 860-509-7147, carol.stone@po.state.ct.us, (2) Planning and Professional Development Unit, CT Department of Public Health, 410 Capitol Ave, MS #13PPE, Hartford, CT 06106, 860-509-7122, beverly.burke@po.state.ct.us

The explosion of genetics knowledge made possible by the Human Genome Project promises to help families and their physicians make better choices about treatment options and methods to reduce health risks. The rate of advances in genetics is in danger of outpacing the ability of state health systems to integrate genetics knowledge into practice. To prepare for this increasing need within the state public health infrastructure, the Connecticut Department of Public Health developed a plan that incorporates genetics into the broad range of activities that occur within the Department. Needs assessments from families affected by genetic issues, health care providers, scientific experts, and public health workers were conducted and evaluated. A set of recommendations were developed that address issues in the science and ethics of genetics testing and newborn screening, health education, partnerships, and service delivery, as well as the need to integrate genetics into areas such as infectious and chronic disease and environmental health. The presentation will include compiled results of the assessments, details of the strategies developed, and the process used to develop the plan. Components of the plan will also be presented at the Conference.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the process of developing a state health genetics plan.
• Discern the appropriate public health roles in the expanding genetics health arena.
• Increase awareness and understanding of key stakeholders in genetic testing, service, and policy development.

Keywords: Public Health Infrastructure, Genetics

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.

Recorded presentation