Background

In 2004, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration (MCHB/HRSA), Genetic Services Branch (GSB) awarded grants to establish seven Genetic Service and Newborn Screening Regional Collaborative Groups (RCs) and a National Coordinating Center (NCC) as part of on-going efforts to improve the health of children and their families by promoting the translation of genetic medicine into public health and healthcare services. The NCC is formed as a partnership with GSB/MCHB/HRSA through a cooperative agreement with the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG). The NCC is organized around a central office and an Advisory Committee. The Advisory Committee includes the seven RCs and representatives of national organizations that serve as resources to the NCC and the RCs.

Goals of the Regional Collaborative Groups and their National Coordinating Center

The RCs work to strengthen and support the genetics and newborn screening (NBS) capacity of the States and, therefore, the Nation, using a regional approach to addressing maldistribution of genetic services and resources. A fundamental goal of the program is to bring services closer to local committees. The NCC enhances the activities of the seven RCs by providing the infrastructure, coordination, technical assistance and resources necessary to address issues of universal importance, thereby avoiding duplication of efforts and allowing the regions to focus on their unique areas of need. The NCC also facilitates local projects and uses communities identified through the RCs to pilot test materials for policymakers, health professionals and families.
 

National Coordinating Center for the Genetics and Newborn Screening Regional Collaborative Groups

American College of Medical Genetics        

9650 Rockville Pike

        Bethesda, MD 20814-3998

Telephone: 301-634-7127        

Fax: 301-634-7275

        Website: http://www.acmg.net

© American College of Medical Genetics