The MISSION

The Division of Genetics Education at FBR is committed to developing, implementing, and evaluating education and community involvement projects that will enhance the public's understanding of genomics and its translation to health and society. In 2007, the Division of Genetics Education expanded its mission to include the promotion of effective integration of genomic discoveries into healthcare.

In August, 2005, Dale Halsey Lea, MPH, RN, CGC, FAAN, Director, Division of Genetics Education, was appointed to the Education and Community Involvement Branch (ECIB) of the National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI).

ECIB initiates, develops, implements, and evaluates public education programs for NHGRI. It also advises the NHGRI Director and senior staff on issues that arise from broad public education and community involvement.

In July 2007, Ms. Lea was also appointed to the newly created Genomic Healthcare Branch (GHB). The GHB promotes the development and evaluation of tools that enable healthcare providers to take more effective advantage of advances in genetics and genomics.

In her role as ECIB Health Educator, Ms. Lea oversees the Genetics and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center and public educational outreach activities. Ms. Lea works closely on the development of genetics education programs and initiatives designed for minorities and other special populations. In her role as GHB Health Educator, Ms. Lea works on initiatives that promote genetics literacy among the full spectrum of healthcare providers and their patients. Ms. Lea is based at FBR and has an office at National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD.