WHAT: 2005 Michigan Summit on Genomics and Public Health

WHEN: Monday, May 2, 2005 The summit begins at 8 a.m.

WHERE: Lansing Center, 333 East Michigan Avenue, Lansing, Michigan 48933

WHO:

Muin Khoury, MD, PhD, Director, Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention, CDC

Coleen Boyle, PhD, Director, Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, CDC

Janice Bach, MS, State Genetics Coordinator, MDCH

Othelia Washington Pryor, PhD, Office of Medical Education, Research and Development, MSU

Michelle Lloyd-Puryear, MD, PhD, Chief, Genetic Services Branch, HRSA, Maternal and Child Health Bureau

Jean Chabut, Chief Administrative Officer, Public Health Admin., MDCH

HIGHLIGHTS:

In a collaborative effort to prevent disease, Michigan will highlight a state plan to addressing genetic related issues. The plan: Genetics Through the Life Cycle: Improving Health and Preventing Disease, will be discussed and revamped at the 2005 Michigan Summit on Genomics and Public Health on May 2.

Despite considerable progress since 2003, the State of Michigan continues to strive and to fully achieve the plan’s six goals through the use of additional experts, assessment, and strategic planning at this year’s summit.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it is predicted that by the year 2010, genetic tests will be available for as many as a dozen common conditions, allowing individuals to learn their individual susceptibilities and take steps to reduce risk.

According to the National Society for Genetic Counselors, information and support can be provided to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families that may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions.