Genetic Education and Needs Evaluation Project (GENE)

Project Background and Goals:

Clinical Directors Network, Inc, was selected by March Of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation (MOD) to conduct a series of focus groups in at least three different languages, in order to evaluate the needs of underserved populations regarding genetic information and to understand attitudes and beliefs towards genetics and genetic testing among different cultural groups.

The focus groups were part of the GENE Project, the purpose of which is to improve the way we communicate with various communities about genetics and genetic testing.

Three cultural and ethnic groups were targeted: African Americans, Hispanics and Chinese. The focus groups were held in English, Spanish and Chinese and were conducted at Community Health Centers of the Sunset Park Family Health Center Network.