Title: Integrating Genomics in Public Health
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Introduction
Integration of genetics into public health is essential in predicting patient risk for common diseases. Genetic research creates new information and technology that will assist in improving population health. Most of the ailments arise from the interactions among the environmental factors, human factors as well as genetics. Public health genomics will assist in disease prevention and health improvement to individuals who are at a higher risk due to their genetic makeup (Khoury, 2000). Health professionals by applying genetic research are everyday coming up with new discoveries in areas like birth defects, heart diseases and cancer improving health services for the public (Brand A, 2006). However, there is no need to allocate significant resources on genomics for public health.
Resources Spent On Genomics for Public Health
Significant resources should not be allocated to genomics for public health. This is because genetic research is not necessary beneficial to all individuals. It mostly applies to specific persons due to their genetic makeup. Pubic health sector can prioritize by establishing which genetic research will be most beneficial to the population as a whole. The rest of the diseases are left out since their effects are not adverse. There is also the risk of possible misuse of genetic information (Laberge, 2004).
Newborn genetic screening discovers treatable genetic disorders in newborn babies. Newborn screening for phenylketonuria is essential and beneficial as it helps prevent mental retardation in future. All newborns are screened for phenylketonuria this is because it influences the children’s ability to contribute to the society later. Nevertheless, newborn screening for Huntington disease is not given the first priority. This is because the disease appears later on in life and has no cure. There is no significant benefit to early diagnosis (Johnson KA, 2000). Workplace genetic screening reduces occupational diseases. Owner of a company can utilize information from genetic testing to ensure that potential employees are not exposed in risky environments. However, the tests presently existing can make out only a small number of moderately rare diseases. The tests are expensive to carry out and hard to administer. Genetic screening infringes workers’ rights by increase racial and ethnic discrimination in the workplace (Hudson KL, 2008).
Ethical, Legal, And Social Concerns On the Use of Genetic Information
Genetic testing has raised ethical, legal and social issues concerning confidentiality and the proper use of the ensuing information. Genetic information is sometimes used to confirm a clinical diagnosis but is mostly used to identify the risk of a specific condition developing. In this case there is danger of inappropriate use of genetic information by health insurance companies and employers as a source of discrimination (Callahan D, 2002). There is fear that an employer might discriminate by not hiring or promoting them. The issue of privacy and confidentiality of genetic information then arises. The majority of people who enquire on the privacy of genetic information are worried the information may be used to harm them.
Genetic research frequently entails gathering of DNA samples. Various DNA banks were formed from these DNA samples are collected for particular research assignments or from blood samples collected for newborn screening. Once they have they have been utilized, researchers are then faced with concerns as to what to do with the DNA samples. There is psychological issues and stigmatization because of a person genetic difference. Individuals will be concerned on how the society will perceive them due to their genetic conditions. There is also the issue of how this information will affect members of marginal communities (Thomas JC, 2002).
There is use of genetic information in reproduction in terms of decision-making. There is the issue of lack of informed consent for composite and potentially contentious procedures. Healthcare practitioners do not fully counsel parents on the risks of genetic technology.
There are concerns on how the genetic tests will be assessed and regulated for precision, reliability, and effectiveness. There are questions on how health professionals prepare for new genetics and how the public is prepared to make informed choices. There is also the concern on how the society will balance the present scientific restrictions and social risk with long-term benefits (Burke W, 2006).
Public Health on Ethical, Legal, and Social Concerns
Public health organizations is obligated to provide communities especially minority ones with the necessary information required to make informed decisions on policies or programs with regard to genetic testing and to acquire the community’s approval for their implementation.
The public health with the help of the government should regulate genetic testing or ban genetic discrimination on diseases specifically those that do not have cure. This is to avoid the stigma associated with genetic screening. Informed consent is a crucial ethical obligation for persons who volunteer for either clinical testing or participation in research.
Public health should implement effective policies and programs that protect and promote health. The programs should specifically apply to insurance companies and employers who inappropriately use genetic information. There should also be policies on the protection of the privacy of individuals’ genetic information (Christopher, 1990).

Conclusion
Integrating genetic research in public health is important as it enhances the understanding of common diseases and improves treatments of those conditions. However, genetic information can only be beneficial to those individuals with certain genetic makeup. Some conditions such as Huntington disease do not require early diagnosis on newborn babies as they appear later on in life and has no cure. Therefore there is no need to spend significant amount of resources on genomics for public health purposes.

References
Brand A, S. P. (2006). Getting Ready for the Future: Integration of Genomics into Public Health Research, Policy and Practice in Europe and Globally. Community Genet , 9:67-71.
Burke W, K. M. (2006). The path from genome-based research to population health: Development of an international public health genomics network. Genetics in Medicine , 8(7):451-458.
Callahan D, J. B. (2002). Ethics and public health: forging a strong relationship. Am J Public Health , 92: 169–176.
Christopher, J. (1990). "Your Genome in Their Hands,". New Scientist , 52-55.
Hudson KL, H. M. (2008). Keeping Pace with the Times – The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008. New Engl J Med , 358:2661−2663.
Johnson KA, R.-V. L. (2000). Response to genetic counseling and testing. Am J Med Genet , 91:207−211.
Khoury, M. B. (2000). Genetics and Public Health in the 21 Century. New York: Oxford University Press.
Laberge, A. (2004). Genetics and Public Health. Atlas Genet Cytogenet Oncol Haematol , 15:35:40.
Thomas JC, S. M. (2002). A code of ethics for public health. Am J Public Health , 92: 1057–1059.