Second National Conference on Genetics and Disease Prevention

Purpose

The purpose of the Second National Conference on Genetics and Disease Prevention is to address public health opportunities and challenges presented by advances in human genetics research. Scientific advances in genetics are creating both exciting opportunities and tremendous challenges for public health. When the Human Genome Project is completed in 2003, all of the estimated 100, 000 human genes will have been sequenced.

Conference Objectives

This conference is an opportunity for public health professionals to increase their knowledge of discoveries in human genetics and understanding of the application of genetics to and its effect on public health activities. The conference focuses on policymaking and incorporating disease-prevention perspectives into evolving legislation at the public health-practice level.

Audience

The primary audience for this conference is the nation’s public health officials, program directors, and those people responsible for health policy-making at local, state, and federal levels. Other major audiences include public health researchers and practitioners; representatives from federal agencies and health-professional organizations; and interested parties from academia, industry, and the public.

Participants will do the following:

• Review the progress of the Human Genome Project and the implications for public health.
• Define challenges and opportunities for integrating genetics into the three essential public health functions of assessment, assurance, and policy development.
• Discuss methods of incorporating genetics research into routine disease prevention activities.
• Clarify privacy and confidentiality legislation affecting health data.
• Explore community perspectives in relation to responsible science and practice.
• Identify strategies to expand the public health infrastructure through creative collaborations and public-private partnerships.

Featured Speakers

Preliminary Program  (PDF 183 KB)