Goals and Objectives of the 1997 Genomics Strategic Plan

The task force identified seven broad goals that collectively form a strategy for strengthening CDC’s existing activities and developing new initiatives in genetics and public health. Each goal is designed to advance CDC’s capacity in one or more of the essential program components and cross-cutting areas of critical concern.

Goal 1: Foster partnerships and coordination of genetic activities within and outside of CDC to promote heath and prevent disease and disability.

Objectives:

1.1. Ensure a CDC work environment that fosters coordination of program activities in genetics.
1.2. Assess the resources and expertise available and determine what additional resources and expertise are needed to conduct program activities in genetics.
1.3. Develop, implement, and evaluate a system for establishing scientific and program priorities for genetic activities at CDC.
1.4. Enhance existing partnerships and establish new collaborative relationships in the area of genetics.
1.5. Seek regular external consultation and input on the use of genetics in the promotion of health and the prevention of disease and disability.

Goal 2: Ensure that ethical, legal and social issues are addressed in applying genetics to the promotion of health and the prevention of disease and disability.

Objectives:

2.1. Conduct ongoing reviews of ethical, legal, and social issues in genetics at CDC and the public health community.
2.2. Develop guidelines and standards for the ethical application of genetics in public health research and practice.
2.3. Enhance training programs for CDC and other public health professionals that address ethical, legal, and social issues related to genetic applications in public health research and practice.

Goal 3: Assess how risk for disease and disability is influenced by the interaction of human genetic variation with modifiable risk factors.

Objectives:

3.1. Assess the impact of various human genetic factors on the risk for disease and disability.
3.2. Evaluate gene-environment interactions to identify modifiable risk factors.

Goal 4: Ensure the appropriateness and quality of population-based genetic testing.

Objectives:

4.1. Evaluate the appropriateness of genetic tests for use on a population basis.
4.2. Support a system of laboratory quality assurance.
4.3. Assess the access to, use of, and impact of population-based genetic testing.

Goal 5: Ensure that genetic tests and services are incorporated in population-based interventions that promote health and prevent disease and disability.

Objectives:

5.1. Develop population-based interventions that use selected genetic tests and services to promote health and prevent disease and disability.
5.2. Evaluate the impact that the use of selected genetic tests and services has on the promotion of health and the prevention of disease and disability.

Goal 6: Build capacity to promote health and prevent disease and disability by training public health professionals in genetics.

Objectives:

6.1. Enhance health professionals’ knowledge of the role of genetics in promoting health and preventing disease and disability.
6.2. Build a scientific core of personnel trained in genetics and public health.
6.3. Provide continuing education opportunities and specialized training for health professionals and people in related fields.

Goal 7: Provide timely and accurate information to both the general public and professional audiences on the role of genetics in the promotion of health and the prevention of disease and disability.

Objectives:

7.1. Increase public awareness and understandig of the role of genetics in disease prevention so that people may make informed decisions about health behaviors and genetic testing and services.
7.2. Facilitate scientific information sharing to ensure that health professionals and those in related fields have access to timely and accurate information on genetics and disease prevention.