State Genetics Plan for Iowa. A Plan of Action for the Iowa Department of Public Health

摘要

Newborn metabolic and hemoglobinopathy screening programs exemplify how collaborative genetic and public health initiatives can benefit children and their families through early detection, appropriate treatment, and prevention of mental retardation, physical disability and death. The children diagnosed by newborn metabolic screening programs, however, account for only a small number of the individuals with genetic conditions and other special health needs seen in public health programs. Advances in the understanding of the genetic basis of congenital anomalies, inherited disorders and chronically disabling diseases such as diabetes and cancer promise to offer solutions for the treatment and health care management of many more people. However, environmental factors, lifestyle and behavioral choices also impact the manifestation of disease and birth defects. Genetic and public health collaboration is essential for understanding how gene interactions, environmental factors and lifestyle choices are involved in both health and in disease. Incorporating genetic knowledge within public health programs has the potential to optimize the identification and care of infants, children and adults with special health needs, as well as promote the health of the general population. Iowa legislation mandates that the Iowa Department of Public Health develop and administer the states policy with respect to the conduct of scientific investigations and research concerning the causes, mortality, methods of treatment, prevention and cure of birth defects in order to provide for the protection and promotion of the health of the states citizens. The Birth Defects Institute was established within the department in 1976 to initiate and conduct these investigations.