History
Beginning in 2004, HRSA MCHB funded a series of Regional Collaborative Projects throughout the United States. This funding aimed at overcoming and developing regional approaches to maldistributions of genetics services and expertise within each region. The initial phase of funding lasted three years and was awarded to SERGG, Inc.
In the winter of 2006, a five-year competitive renewal application was issued. During this time SERGG requested that another institution serve as the applicant agency. Emory University took the responsibility and now serves as the grantee for the cooperative agreement. Award notices were issued in May 2007, and the region received funding for core and priority activities. These activities are solely supported by HRSA and in-kind staff time, where appropriate.
In 2012, a second five-year competitive renewal was awarded to Emory University for the continuation of the activities begun in 2006.
In 2016, HRSA announced a three-year competitive renewal and a name change from the Regional Genetic and Newborn Screening Services in Region 3 (Regional Genetics Collaborative) to the Regional Genetics Network. In 2017, Emory University received notice of the grant award to increase access to genetics services, including the use of telemedicine, especially for the medically underserved.
Additionally, in 2020, the HRSA grant was renewed for another four years. We received the notice of grant award for the continued development of programs focused on the education and training of healthcare professionals, telemedicine, and linking patients to genetic services. SERN covers eight states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee) in the U.S. Southeast.
This funding establishes a set of reporting requirements, along with performance metrics, for the region. For additional information about HRSA and its grant opportunities, please visit hrsa.gov.