“Longevity, like intelligence and good looks and health and strength of character, is largely a matter of genetic heritage. Choose your parents with care.”
Edward Paul Abbey
The celebration of DNA Day is all about genetics education and improving health. In 2003 in honor of the discovery of the structure of DNA and the completion of the Human Genome Project, the 108th Congress of the United States requested that DNA Day be commemorated annually, stating that an “understanding of DNA and the human genome held great promise to improve the health and well-being of all Americans.” In the spirit of this declaration and its promise, throughout the country, we recognize genetic advances, and promote genetics education.
This is the fifth year that the Center for Jewish Genetics has collaborated with the Illinois Department of Public Health to celebrate DNA Day in Illinois. Funding for the DNA Day Illinois project is provided by IDPH.
2013 DNA Day Initiatives
Professional Education
This year we are hosting a webinar about newborn screening and family health history on Tuesday, April 16, 2013 from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. We invite health care practitioners, as well as those interested in genetics, to join us for a presentation and discussion with a licensed genetic counselor and a person affected by a genetic disorder. Nurses that participate will receive 1.0 Nursing Contact Hours.
We also created a new educational material for public health staff and birthing hospital staff in Illinois,
What’s New in Newborn Screening, which includes information for practitioners about what disorders are to be added to Illinois’ newborn screening panel. We distributed these materials via mail in March 2013.
Patient Education
This year, we updated our Family Health History brochure to educate patients about the importance of knowing your family health history. We also created a new resource card about newborn screening facts and its importance.
Update of EasyLearnGenetics.net
EasyLearnGenetics.net is the official Illinois genetics education site. We have added new resources and uploaded our new video about the DNA Day IL project to the site.
Illinois DNA Day Facebook Page
The Illinois DNA Day Facebook page has posts about genetics in the news and project updates. It provides a fun, interactive way to promote genetics education. Participation and comments are more than welcome. Check out the page!
What are some ways to get involved with DNA Day 2013?
- Join our webinar on April 16, 2013
- Follow and post on the Illinois DNA Day Facebook page.
- Record your family health history for DNA Day which is celebrated nationally on April 25, 2013, or at your next get together or reunion.
- Discuss family health history with your patients.
- Distribute information about genetics and health to patients
- Create a poster/table in your health department or clinic for DNA Day IL 2013.
DNA Day Materials
Genetic Breast Cancer Materials
Additional Materials
Resources
Links for Teachers
More Genetics
Learning about genetics can be fun!
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