Jewish Genetic Disease Coalition Established at Albert Einstein Medical Center

Philadelphia, PA, July 11, 2003 – In an effort to increase awareness about Ashkenazi Jewish genetic diseases, a coalition has been established in the Victor Center for Ashkenazi Jewish Genetic Diseases at Albert Einstein Medical Center.

Named the Jewish Genetic Disease Coalition, members include representatives from support groups and organizations for Canavan disease, Familial Dysautonomia, Gaucher disease, Tay-Sachs disease, and Late Onset Tay-Sachs disease, as well as from Einstein’s Victor Center for Ashkenazi Jewish Genetic Diseases. Members will provide information about all of the Jewish genetic diseases at their meetings and at community events when appropriate. "The formation of the coalition will help educate a greater number of people about the importance of genetic screening and about the different Ashkenazi Jewish genetic diseases that exist," says Adele Schneider, MD, Director, Clinical Genetics, Albert Einstein Medical Center.

One function of the coalition will be to supervise an outreach coordinator who will work in the Jewish community representing all of the Jewish genetic disease support groups to increase the number of individuals screened. For more information about the coalition, call (215) 456-8722.

Albert Einstein Healthcare Network, a member of the Jefferson Health System, provides healthcare services through Albert Einstein Medical Center, Germantown Community Health Services, Willow Terrace (a nursing home), MossRehab, Willowcrest (a center for subacute care), Belmont Behavioral Health and a number of outpatient and satellite locations. Einstein also operates a primary care network, Einstein Neighborhood Healthcare. For more information, visit www.einstein.edu.

Publish date: July 11, 2003