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Preconception Genetic Counseling: Three Years of Experience at a Community‐Based Health Center
Author(s) -
Lemke Amy A.,
Dayal Sheela,
Geibel Leslie J.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
journal of genetic counseling
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.867
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1573-3599
pISSN - 1059-7700
DOI - 10.1023/a:1022868112490
Subject(s) - genetic counseling , medicine , public health , population , confidentiality , family planning , family medicine , program evaluation , nursing , gerontology , environmental health , political science , genetics , law , research methodology , biology , public administration
Abstract In the United States, access to genetic education and services is not equally available to all segments of the population, especially to women of minority backgrounds and low incomes. In response to this issue, the Preconception Genetic Health Education Program (PGHEP) was implemented in September of 1993 at the Woodlawn Maternal and Child Health Center in south side Chicago. The goal of this program is to provide access to genetic services to a previously underserved population. Women attending the family planning clinics are offered free, confidential preconception genetic screening and counseling on‐site. As of January 1, 1997, 1300 women have participated in the program. The development and implementation of the PGHEP, client self‐reports of family histories and beliefs, and implications for future delivery of genetic services are discussed.