The Public Health Prevention Service Program Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention

CDC provides a Public Health Prevention Service program (PHPS) which offers opportunities for people to learn to design, implement, and evaluate effective and scientifically sound prevention programs and interventions at the community, state, and national levels. OGDP has provided training and applied genetics and public health experiences for PHPS participants for the past two years, and will continue to solicit future placements through the program. These experiences focus on assessment and analysis of state / community public health needs and concerns related to genetics and public health, and the translation of prevention strategies associated with genetics into policy and program development. Through collaboration with national and state public health organizations, actions are underway to develop strategies for capacity development within state and community public health organizations.

PHPS participants learn the process for applying genetics testing and information in practical approaches for public health assessment and research projects, and the partnerships that are required. Through this process, participants engage in:

• assessment and analysis of the needs and concerns of state health officials related to genetics and public health program development
• development of communications strategies for integrating information about genetics into ongoing national and state public health programs
• development of summary reports and publications from analysis of epidemiologic and technical information on pediatric and chronic diseases (cystic fibrosis, hemochromatosis, cancer) that are associated with gene - environment interactions, including development of a human genome epidemiology (HuGE) knowledge base
• assessment of legislation and policy related to public health applications of genetic testing to identify obstacles and opportunities for disease prevention efforts
• analysis of state and community needs and capabilities for engaging in public health assessment, policy development, and quality assurance functions as genetic testing recommendations for public health are developed
• conferences and workshops on genetics and disease prevention, and production and utilization of information associated with the outcomes of such events
• technical assistance on planning and program capacity development in public health programs