Genetic support groups and social workers as partners.

Area of Science:

• Social Work
• Genetic Services
• Public Health

Background:

• Genetic support groups play a vital role in providing services.
• Social workers have opportunities to expand their contributions in genetic services.
• National coalitions like the Alliance of Genetic Support Groups can increase impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the current contributions of genetic support groups.
• To assess the potential impact of national genetic support coalitions.
• To identify opportunities for social workers to partner with genetic organizations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of genetic support group activities.
• Analysis of the role and potential of the Alliance of Genetic Support Groups.
• Case studies of social work partnerships in genetic services.

Main Results:

• Genetic support groups offer valuable services.
• National coalitions can amplify support and resources.
• Mutually advantageous partnerships between social workers and genetic organizations are feasible and beneficial.

Conclusions:

• Social workers can significantly enhance genetic services through collaboration.
• The formation of partnerships with genetic organizations is a key strategy.
• This expanded role challenges social work to apply partnership models broadly.