The Mission of the Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention is to integrate advances in human genetics into public health research, policies, and programs.

Virtually all human diseases are the result of the interaction between genetic factors and environmental factors such as diet, infectious agents, or toxic chemicals. Identifying these interactions promises to lead to new opportunities for disease prevention.

CDC's Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention (OGDP) promotes national leadership in the use of human genetic information to improve health and prevent disease by participating in national policy-setting panels including the Health and Human Services Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic Testing.

OGDP led an HHS interagency working group to establish a national framework for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data on genetic tests.

To assess the health impact of genetic variation, CDC supports extramural population-based research projects. The results will provide insight into disease prevention by identifying the environmental and behavioral factors that interact with genes to produce disease.

OGDP offers technical assistance and expertise to other public health organizations. For example, OGDP is collaborating with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to evaluate the data from their newborn screening program.

OGDP is currently establishing a model system for evaluating genetic tests. Concise, reliable, and updated information on each test will help professionals, policy makers, and individuals consider the potential risks and benefits of genetic testing.

Human genome epidemiology (HuGE) translates gene discoveries to disease prevention by integrating population-based data on gene-disease relationships and interventions.

CDC educates and trains health professionals about the role of genetics in disease prevention. By sponsoring conferences, workshops, training, and career development opportunities, CDC is helping health professionals learn how to use genetic information in disease  prevention efforts.

National conferences, focused on the integration of genetics into public health, took place in 1998 and 1999. The third conference entitled, "Genetics in Public Health Practice: Connecting Research, Education, Practice, and Community", convened in Ann Arbor Michigan in September 2000.

CDC has offered six training courses on genetics and public health since 1997 attracting ever increasing numbers of professionals from all areas of public health.

In August 2000, OGDP and representatives from each of the disciplines in public health met to begin the process of identifying the core competencies necessary for all health professionals to incorporate genetics into public health practice.

A variety of information for public health professionals is published on the OGDP web site which serves as a clearinghouse for information related to the process of integrating genetic discoveries into the practice of public health.

The Genetics and Disease Prevention Weekly Update features links to current news items and scientific publications, genetic events, and training opportunities.

OGDP created and maintains the Human Genome Epidemiology Network (HuGE Net) which serves as a forum for information exchange and as an on-line knowledge base on the epidemiology of genetic variation and its impact on health and disease. In partnership with several  scientific journals, OGDP has published a series of HuGE reviews.