Genetics and public health: A framework for the integration of human genetics into public health practice

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Abstract
This chapter begins with a discussion of the need for public health leadership in genetics and the emergence of a new hybrid subspecialty of genetics and public health. It then presents a framework for applying essential public health functions in evaluating the relevance of gene discoveries to disease prevention and health promotion, which was developed as part of the CDC's strategic plan for genetics and public health. This framework encompasses four essential public health functions (i.e., public health assessment; evaluation of genetic testing; development, implementation, and evaluation of population interventions; and communication and information dissemination) and three critical issues (i.e., partnerships and coordination; ethical, legal, and social issues; and education and training) that affect each function.