As part of Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week (JGSAW), Yeshiva University in New York City hosted a genetic screening event on Tuesday that was attended by about 100 people.
With organizational partners across the country, the week has focused on stories, information and resources to help raise awareness about the importance of screening for Jewish genetic diseases.
“We know that education and awareness are essential in the journey towards ensuring our health and the health of our families,” said Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, executive director of JScreen. “Each day during JGSAW, along with our committed partners, we will share resources and real-life stories highlighting both the need for and ease of a simple saliva test for screening. We are hopeful that this increased awareness will lead more families to #getJScreened.”
JGSAW has focused on a specific theme each day. Tuesday’s surrounded college students.
“The farthest thing from many college students’ minds is having a baby. However, JScreen’s simple, quick and easy reproductive-carrier screening test provides information that is important for future family planning,” said the organization. “For this reason, JScreen often hosts discounted screenings at colleges and universities throughout the country.”