In the future, it may be possible to obtain very low cost genomes that will allow DNA sequencing to become a routine clinical test. This means that physicians, consumers including families, individuals, and communities in the future will need to have genetic literacy in order to make medical and healthcare decisions.
To meet this need, HRSA’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau is planning to release their grant funding announcement “Consumer Initiatives for Genetic Resources and Services” (HRSA-12-151) around September 5, 2011 with the application due December 4, 2011. The award date is anticipated to be January 1, 2012.
The funding for the grant slated for FY 2012 is estimated to be $900,000. The funding will be used to establish relationships and create new partnerships to provide genetic information and resources for not only the general consumer community but also for underserved and underrepresented communities.
The proposed information activities will center on genetic services, family health history tools for the public, knowledge and needs of consumers and families with genetic conditions, consumer perspectives regarding safety and efficacy around laboratory testing and screening, follow-up care, bringing new tests to the public market, and the delivery of genetic services.
The project will promote an interaction between stakeholders that will include genetics lay advocacy groups, state and federal agencies healthcare and public health professionals, researchers, and the biomedical industry.
The information will be linked from FDA, NIH, and AHRQ to maintain up-to-date information. The project will continue to build on established relationships with many HRSA funded projects, including Community Health Centers, regional collaboratives, and many disease specific partners including those projects for sickle cell disease and hemophilia.
To contact HRSA, email Alaina Harris at AHarris@hrsa.gov.
