This program grew from organizers' concerns about an information vacuum among minorities regarding the genome project and the possibility that suspicions will arise about the project's intent. This lack of participation may stem from the mistrust of scientific projects focusing on health.
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We must take upon ourselves the charge to be responsible ancestors as we support and utilize the science of today, which undoubtedly impacts the children of tomorrow. Although the development of tools for diagnosing human diseases is likely to outpace new therapeutics, she said, scientists will learn how to use various interventions to prevent or treat many genetically linked diseases. She encouraged African-Americans and members of other minority groups to have more input into genome databases and data interpretation. However, gathering information about susceptibility long before the disease is clinically evident makes screening socially sensitive and possibly dangerous. Hindrances to employment, health insurance, and professional advancement can be intensified.