CoGENES Program

The CoGENES (Community Genetic Navigation Engagement Specialists) Training Program utilizes train-the-trainer model to train and deploy community health educators (CHE) and promotores de salud as a local workforce of community engagement specialists to improve communication on genetic research, clinical genetic testing and counseling to our population. The goal of the program is to advance reductions in cancer disparities by promoting participation in genetic research at the community level and addressing knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and communication gaps related to donation of biospecimens, genome characterization, collection of family history, and clinical genetic testing with genetic counseling.

CoGENES Training Program is a community liaison participant engagement initiative that serves as an outreach and genetic education program for our communities. Trained CoGENES will develop a toolkit with educational materials that are specific for community members from our region on genetic research, genetic counseling, and cancer risk assessments to be utilized by the CoGENES program. CoGENES will conduct focus groups to evaluate and tailor the materials to best suit the needs of community members. Once the educational materials are finalized our program will disseminate the information at the community level information on clinical genetic counseling and risk assessment via workshops delivered within our network of 120 community agencies as well as community events hosted by our CoGENES trainees.