Genetics Education Needs Evaluation (GENE) Project
The rapidly evolving field of genetics brings new promise for improving human health in numerous ways. Individuals who know about genetic advances can help themselves and their families. But families from communities with limited access to information and health care are likely to lag behind other health consumers.

The March of Dimes is working to fill this need. The GENE Project, a 5-year cooperative agreement with the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), is investigating the need for consumer genetics education in order to help underserved communities make informed decisions about their health.

Mission
The mission of the project is to develop community-based participatory strategies to improve consumer access to culturally appropriate genetics information, resources and services.

Partner Organizations
Two other partner organizations are working with the March of Dimes and HRSA:

• Family Voices, a national grassroots network of families speaking on behalf of children with special health needs.
• The Genetic Alliance, a coalition of consumers and professionals that promote the interests of children, adults and families living with genetic conditions.

Two Stages
The GENE Project began in 2000 with the collecting of information about consumer genetics education, health literacy and participatory approaches. The second stage, now underway, involves the engagement of two communities in a community-based participatory approach to explore their local genetics education needs and develop a model.

For more information about the GENE Project, e-mail fwolman@marchofdimes.com or call (914) 997-4625.

For more details about the GENE Project and its goals, select one of the fact sheets below.