No-Cost Genetic Screening
Rochester Regional Health (RRH) recently introduced GenoWell, a first-of-its-kind community health research program designed to empower individuals with knowledge about their genetic health risks. In partnership with Helix, a national leader in population genomics and precision health, GenoWell provides no-cost DNA screening to help identify genetic risks for certain cancers and a cause of heart disease that can be missed without genetic testing. By uncovering this information earlier, participants and their providers can move toward quicker diagnoses and more personalized care.
“For us, GenoWell is deeply personal,” said Richard “Chip” Davis, PhD, and Chief ExecutiveOfficer at Rochester Regional Health. “Rochester has always been a region of innovators, from the founding of Rochester General and St. Mary’s to the breakthroughs we continue to deliver today. Long before population health became a national priority, our system helped pioneer one of the country’s first Accountable Care Organizations, GRIPA, which set the stage for the proactive, preventive care that GenoWell now advances. Serving our communities with compassion and cutting-edge care is in our genes, and GenoWell brings that promise into the 21st century.”
Over the next five years, GenoWell aims to reach more than 100,000 adults, age 18 and older, across the region. Participation is voluntary, confidential, and comes at no cost; no insurance is required. Results will provide insight into conditions such as inherited breast and ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, and high cholesterol. Participants can then consult with their providers to make informed, proactive decisions about their health.
“The benefit of learning that I carry a higher risk for something that I can take action on NOW to help prevent getting sick down the line means that I have more control over my future…and watching my grandbabies grow,” said Sheri Nordberg, GenoWell participant.
Through GenoWell, Rochester Regional Health joins leading health systems across North America that are part of the Helix Research Network. This collaboration accelerates the integration of genetic information into everyday clinical care and expands opportunities to bring novel clinical trials and research to local communities.
To enroll or learn more about GenoWell, visit: https://www.rochesterregional.org/services/genowell.
