Frequently asked questions

Answered by a team member at Jewish Genetic Disease Consortium

• What is your mission?

  The Jewish Genetic Disease Consortium (JGDC) increases awareness about Jewish genetic diseases and encourages timely and appropriate carrier screening for all persons who have any Jewish ancestry, as well as couples of mixed heritage.

• How are donations used?

  Donations and grants support the "JGDC In Your Community" program to educate physicians, rabbis and the lay community about Jewish genetic diseases and the importance of preconception carrier screening. In addition, the JGDC website is constantly updated to provide timely information.

• What can be done with a $100 donation?

  Every donation, no matter how large or small, funds JGDC programs to carry out our mission.

• What progress has been made already thanks to your donors?

  Thousands of physicians, rabbis and people in the lay community have attended the JGDC In Your Community Programs, Medical Grand Rounds, Clergy Education and Jewish Community Programs, gaining an understanding of the importance of preconception carrier screening.

• What is the history of your organization?

  Formed in 2005, the JGDC is an alliance of non-profit organizations sharing the common goal of combating Jewish genetic diseases. While each JGDC member organization has its own individual mission, the JGDC unites these organizations so that we may jointly strengthen public education and awareness for appropriate carrier screening. Through its Medical Grand Rounds Program, Clergy Education Program and Jewish Community Program, the JGDC educates physicians, rabbis, Jews of all backgrounds and couples of mixed heritage about Jewish genetic diseases. The goal is to decrease the incidence of Jewish genetic diseases and assure healthy Jewish families by increasing preconception carrier screening rates and promoting the understanding of reproductive options available to carrier couples.