Nearly 2 million people in the United States are at increased risk for adverse health outcomes due to one of the following conditions: Lynch syndrome, hereditary breast/ovarian cancer, and familial hypercholesterolemia. Because at present these conditions are often not identified by the healthcare system, many individuals and families affected by them are not aware that they are at risk; however, early detection and intervention could significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. Because of their unique ability to partner, facilitate, and provide leadership across the health sector, public health departments have important roles to play in reducing the burden of these conditions.  New resources are now available to help partners who are interested in addressing this important health challenge including:  

The CDC Tier 1 Genomic Applications Toolkit for Public Health Departments:  The new CDC Toolkit focuses on specific evidence-based applications for persons at risk of hereditary colorectal cancer due to Lynch syndrome, hereditary breast and ovarian cancer due to BRCA mutations, and cardiovascular disease due to familial hypercholesterolemia.  The Toolkit provides key background information, tools, and real world examples to help states and their partners build upon existing chronic disease programs. The resource is designed to include the materials of greatest interest but also provides links to much more detailed resources. As an example, one of the tools included is another video: Tier I Genomic Applications and Pioneer States featuring interviews with successful state program leaders.