Regional Plan

Heartland Regional Collaborative Strategic Plan (2006-2008)

The Heartland Regional Genetics Plan was developed over a two year period. This plan was informed by an inclusive process that involved: a) regional needs assessment; b) review of state genetics plans; and c) prioritization of needs by state genetic coordinators and regional committees. The Heartland Regional Collaborative Strategic Plan therefore represents a regional consensus of the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps within the Heartland region. The plan outlines four goals:

Goal 1) Promote assessment, planning, evaluation, partnering and policy activities to facilitate access to quality clinical genetic services for the citizens of the states within the Heartland collaborative.

Goal 2) Promote genetics education regarding resources, clinical and laboratory services (availability, access, indications, limitations and benefit), genetic testing, teratogen services, and genomics. Facilitate integration of genetics education into the curriculum of schools (primary and secondary), vocational schools, colleges, and schools of health, such as medical schools, residency programs, nursing schools, and allied health.

Goal 3) Promote quality public health programs in the Heartland by establishing an infrastructure to facilitate networking, education, information sharing, assessment, policy activities, program development and evaluation within the region for the public health programs of genetics, newborn screening, birth defects registry, Children with Special Health Care Needs, Maternal and Child Health, and other programs related to genetic services, such as Chronic Disease.

Goal 4) The Heartland Regional Coordinating Center will provide leadership in the region and facilitate activities to promote access to quality clinical genetic services, genetic testing, and public health programs for the citizens of the states in the Heartland collaborative.