JScreen: A Genetic Mitzvah to Start the Year
Guest Column by Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid
With 5777 nearly upon us, we reflect on the year that has passed and look forward to a bright future as the next year approaches. As we strive to be better people, do more good deeds and live a fulfilling life, we must take into consideration how we can positively affect the lives of our friends, family members and the entire Jewish community.
The modern-day public health initiative bringing this issue to the forefront is JScreen, a national nonprofit genetic screening initiative based out of Emory University that brings the innovative technology of genetic screening and peace of mind to your front door.
JScreen tests for over 100 genetic diseases, including more than 40 diseases that are common among people of Jewish ancestry. Even more, JScreen’s genetic counselors provide results by phone or secure video conference so you can ask questions, better understand your results and talk through all of your options.
JScreen is proud to be helping thousands of singles and engaged and married couples across the United States plan for the health of their future families.
We have a suggestion for your first good deed to start the new year off right (and we promise that it’s much easier than starting some new-wave diet). JScreen challenges you to mention genetic screening to five people over the course of the High Holidays.
Whether it’s at a meal, at services or in passing, you have the capacity to change someone’s life. Tell them to check out JScreen.org to learn more, request that a highly subsidized DNA spit kit be mailed to their home, or gift a genetic screening kit to someone they love.
JScreen wishes you and your family a happy, healthy new year.
Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid is JScreen director at the Emory University School of Medicine.
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