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About JScreen

https://jscreen.org

JScreen is a non-proft community-based public health initiative dedicated to preventing Jewish genetic diseases. Headquartered in Atlanta at Emory University School of Medicine, the JScreen initiative is a collaboration among clinical geneticists, socially minded businesses and nonprofits to provide everyday people with a ready access point to cutting-edge genetic testing technology, patient education and genetic counseling services.

Posts by JScreen Shankhari:

Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week Day 5: Why It’s Important for Interfaith Couples To #GetJScreened

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Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week

Day 5: Why It’s Important for Interfaith Couples To #GetJScreened

While there are a number of diseases commonly found in people with Jewish background, these diseases also occur in the general population. For this reason, screening is important and informative for couples where only one partner is Jewish. Pan-ethnic screening panels, like the one offered by JScreen, include diseases common across ethnicities and can provide important information for anyone hoping to have children in the future.  

JScreen’s easy, private, at-home spit test screens for more than 200 genetic diseases, many of which can be devastating – and avoidable – for families.  Getting screened is one simple step that couples can take prior to conception to understand the genetic possibilities that could impact their future family.

JScreen gives couples the essential information to help them navigate their path – and provides genetic counselors through conference call or video conference to help them understand the screening results.

To help encourage all couples to #GetJScreened, JScreen is offering a $36 discount during Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week (JGSAW) to bring awareness to the importance of screening for Jewish and Interfaith couples.  

Knowledge is Power. Visit www.JScreen.org and use the discount code “JGSAW”

Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week Day 4: Ashkenazi? Sephardi? Mizrahi? Why JScreen Matters for Everyone of Jewish Ancestry

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Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week

Day 4: Ashkenazi? Sephardi? Mizrahi?  Why JScreen Matters for Everyone of Jewish Ancestry

Medical professionals agree that every Jewish adult should be offered genetic testing before having children. Whereas previously many people thought that carrier testing for family planning was solely for Ashkenazi Jews, it’s increasingly understood that Jews of all backgrounds are at risk and should be screened, including those with Sephardi and Mizrahi ancestry (such as Persians, Syrians, and Bukharians).

JScreen’s simple, at-home spit test screens for more than 200 different genetic diseases and provides important information as you plan for your future healthy family.  In fact, we provide follow-up consultations with a certified genetic counselor to discuss your results if you test positive and help you navigate your journey to a future healthy family.  

As an adult, it’s never too early to plan ahead by getting genetic testing. Whatever your Jewish ancestry, all Jewish singles or couples starting to think about their future plans are at an ideal time to learn about carrier status. Screening should take place before pregnancy; early planning leaves time to consider all of your options and find the right path for your family.

Visit JScreen.org and use the coupon code JGSAW for a $36 discount on your screening kit and program. 

Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week Day 3: BRCA Awareness

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Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week
Day 3: BRCA Awareness

Ashkenazi Jews are at ten times greater risk to have a mutation in the BRCA genes, increasing their risk for breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer. BRCA screening can provide life-saving information, which is why JScreen  is currently enrolling participants for the PEACH BRCA Study that offers no-cost, at-home education, testing, and genetic counseling services for Atlanta men and women with Ashkenazi background who do not have personal or family histories of these cancers. To learn more, go to https://thejibsheetpartners.com/brca/.

For Atlanta-area Ashkenazi men and women, this study is a safe, quick, and easy way to determine if you carry the BRCA gene, and if you and your partner may pass this gene onto your future children.  

Why is this study important for me and my family?

The study benefits include:

  • Learning about your risk for certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate
  • Receiving information that will help inform your medical management and reproductive planning
  • Gaining important health information that can be shared with family members

Who is eligible?

To participate in The PEACH BRCA Study, individuals must meet ALL of the following criteria:

  • Have at least one Ashkenazi (Eastern and Central European – for example: Germany, Poland, Russia) Jewish grandparent
  • Are at least 25 years old
  • Reside in the metro-Atlanta area (open to both men & women)
  • Have not had BRCA testing in the past
  • No personal or close significant family history of BRCA-related cancers or a BRCA mutation

What is the process?

The first step is to complete an online eligibility questionnaire. Participants will collect a saliva sample at home for genetic testing and receive their BRCA results by a certified genetic counselor by phone or secure video. In addition, they will complete two surveys. Testing is FREE! Participants will not be charged and will not be asked to provide health insurance information.

Knowledge is power.  The JScreen study can provide this essential information for your future family.  Visit JScreen.org to determine if you’re eligible for this important study.

JScreen Launches Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week Feb 3 – 7

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Jason Edelstein

510-239-1102

JScreen Launches Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week Feb 3 – 7
The Week Will Highlight Powerful Stories, Timely Information, and Resources to Help Raise Awareness of the Importance of Genetic Screening

Atlanta – A proclamation is being passed in the Georgia State Legislature for “Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week.” JScreen, a national non-profit public health initiative dedicated to preventing Jewish genetic diseases, today announced plans for the first-ever Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week (JGSAW), taking place February 3 – February 7, 2020. With organizational partners across the country, JGSAW will focus on powerful stories, timely 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 toward 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.” 

JScreen’s partners in JGSAW include Honeymoon Israel, Hillel, and Interfaith Family. 

“This week is a call to action for screening, for yourself, for your friends and family” said Mike Wilensky, State Representative of Georgia HD79, who introduced the proclamation declaring Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week. “We are thrilled to highlight JScreen’s honorable efforts to help people take charge of their health and that of their children. Knowledge truly is power.”

JGSAW will focus on a specific theme each day:

Monday, Feb. 3: More than just Tay-Sachs.  While Tay-Sachs is certainly the most well-known Jewish genetic disease, JScreen tests for hundreds of other diseases that can be devastating for families.  Knowledge is power; and knowing this information through reproductive carrier screening prior to pregnancy is important for family planning.  

Tuesday, Feb. 4: 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. For this reason, JScreen often hosts discounted screenings at colleges and universities throughout the country.
**Screening event Feb. 4 at Yeshiva University Wilf Campus; Furst Hall room 501; Time: 12-4pm Price: $54 for first 150 students to pre-register 

Wednesday, Feb. 5: BRCA Awareness: Ashkenazi Jews are at ten times greater risk to have a mutation in the BRCA genes, increasing their risk for breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer. BRCA screening can provide life-saving information.  

Thursday, Feb. 6: Sephardi Community: It’s commonly thought that carrier testing for family planning is solely for Ashkenazi Jews. In fact, Jews of all backgrounds are at risk and should be screened, including those with Sephardi and Mizrahi ancestry (such as Persians, Syrians, and Bukharians).

Friday, Feb. 7: Interfaith couples: While there are a number of diseases that are commonly found in people with Jewish background, these diseases also occur in the general population. For this reason, screening is important and informative for Jewish and interfaith couples. Pan-ethnic screening panels, like the one offered by JScreen, include diseases common across ethnicities.  

During JGSAW, JScreen is offering a $36 off discount code for reproductive carrier screening with coupon JGSAW.

“We hope that our efforts to raise awareness about the simple spit test that can be performed to provide genetic screening information will help people make the important decision to #getJScreened,” added Grinzaid.

 

For more information, please visit www.jscreen-dev.10web.site.  

 

Proclamation Declaring Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week

Senate Resolution

By: Michael Wilensky

 

A RESOLUTION

Designating the week of February 3rd as Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week in Georgia; and for other purposes. 

WHEREAS, everyone is a carrier for a number of genetic diseases, and there are certain genetic diseases that are more common in certain ethnicities.

WHEREAS, Jewish people are among the ethnic groups at high-risk for certain genetic diseases, some of which cause early death or severely debilitating symptoms. Non-Jewish people can also be carriers of these and other genetic diseases.

WHEREAS, genetic screening is recommended for any couple thinking of starting or expanding their family.

WHEREAS, carriers are healthy individuals who unknowingly have a mutation in a disease gene. They do not have symptoms, thus the only way they can know if they are a carrier is to get tested or to have an affected child. 

WHEREAS, carrier couples have a twenty-five percent risk, with each pregnancy, of having a child affected by the genetic disease they both carry. 

WHEREAS, many couples are only offered genetic testing once they are already pregnant and for a limited number of diseases. Educating the community about the importance of comprehensive pre-conception screening is essential to afford couples more options to plan ahead.

WHEREAS, Jewish people are also at higher risk to have mutations in genes (e.g. BRCA) that increase the risk for certain cancers, and knowing those risks can be lifesaving.

WHEREAS, genetic screening is now easily accessible to those in Georgia and nationwide via at-home screening on saliva. 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA that the week of February 3rd shall be set aside and officially designated as Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week in Georgia. 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to the public and the press. 

 

# # # 

 

JScreen is a non-profit community-based public health initiative dedicated to preventing Jewish genetic diseases. Headquartered in Atlanta at Emory University School of Medicine, the JScreen initiative is a collaboration among clinical geneticists, socially-minded businesses, and non-profits to provide everyday people with a ready access point to cutting-edge genetic testing technology, patient education and genetic counseling services. JScreen believes the combination of education, access to premier gene screening technologies and personalized, confidential support are the keys to preventing these devastating diseases.

Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week Day 1: More than just Tay-Sachs

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Jewish Genetic Screening Awareness Week
Day 1: More than just Tay-Sachs

Tay-Sachs is certainly the most well-known Jewish genetic disease, with 1 in 30 Ashkenazi Jews carrying the recessive gene for this condition. Did you know that JScreen also tests for hundreds of other diseases that can be devastating for families? Check out the comprehensive list of diseases covered by the JScreen test.

Knowledge is power! Having information through reproductive carrier screening prior to pregnancy is important for family planning.  

The Science

JScreen primarily tests for diseases inherited in a recessive pattern, meaning that a child can only have the condition if both parents carry a non-working gene for that condition. Typically, people who are carriers of recessive conditions do not have symptoms because they have only one non-working copy of the gene. 

If a couple carries the same disease gene, each pregnancy has a 25% chance of having a baby affected by that disease. The good news is that being proactive pays off! There are options to help carrier couples have a healthy baby, such as in vitro fertilization (IVF) with pre-implantation genetic testing, and using a sperm or egg donor who is not a carrier for that disease. 

The Bottom Line

While all of this science can sound confusing, JScreen is led by medical professionals who provide specialized genetic counseling follow-up by phone or video-conferencing for people who are identified as carriers.  Just because one’s parents have been tested for Tay-Sachs, this next generation having children needs to update their screening to include the many additional diseases which have been added since screening for Tay-Sachs first began in the 1970s. JScreen helps you navigate any concerning information your test may bring to light to help you plan for your future, healthy family.  

Register for your screening kit at JScreen.org!

 

JScreen’s PEACH BRCA Internship

JScreen is looking for paid student interns for the Summer and Fall 2019 semesters to help promote participation in the PEACH BRCA Study, a genetic testing initiative in the metro-Atlanta area.

JScreen is:

A national, public health program based out of Emory University dedicated to providing Jewish genetic disease screening. Until now, JScreen’s focus has been on reproductive carrier screening for diseases like Tay-Sachs and cystic fibrosis that may impact a couple’s future children. We are launching a separate pilot program to offer free BRCA testing to eligible Ashkenazi Jews in the Atlanta area through a study, with hopes of expanding the BRCA program nationally.

Mutations in the BRCA genes predispose carriers to certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate. Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jews face a 1 in 40 risk of carrying a mutation in a BRCA gene, even if they have no history of cancer on their families; this number is more than ten times the risk in the general population. BRCA carriers who know they have a mutation before they develop cancer can take advantage of available options for medical management and cancer risk reduction.

JScreen’s mission is to help prevent devastating diseases by making genetic testing accessible to the Jewish community. Through the PEACH BRCA study, we have the opportunity to prevent cancer and save lives. 

Internship Description:

The expectation for this paid internship is to create awareness and to encourage participation in JScreen’s PEACH BRCA study through online and on-the-ground efforts in the metro-Atlanta area. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Speaking and tabling at community events
  • Engaging with local Jewish organizations
  • Creating marketing content
  • Actively promoting on social media and other creative online outlets, i.e., YouTube video, blog posts

Ideal Candidate:

Someone who is involved and well-connected in Jewish life in the metro-Atlanta area; is social media savvy; has event planning experience; has strong critical thinking skills; is highly creative; is passionate about helping the Jewish community; has 10-15 hours per week available to devote to the project; has strong writing and public speaking skills.

To apply, email resume and cover letter to hkener@emory.edu

Non-Profit, Community Based Genetic Screening Leader JScreen Offers Discount on Screenings to Honor Rare Disease Day

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Last Day of February Effort Helps Raise the Awareness of Rare Genetic Diseases

Contact:  Jason Edelstein, (510) 239-1102

(ATLANTA) – JScreen, a national non-profit community based genetic screening and health initiative, today highlighted the importance of Rare Disease Day 2019 by offering a discount on their at-home genetic screening test valid only on February 28, 2019 – Rare Disease Day. To claim the discount, users must visit wws.jscreen-dev.10web.site and enter code “Rare19” to receive the discount.  JScreen will also hold an onsite screening at Yeshiva University in New York to bring awareness to Rare Disease Day.

JScreen (www.jscreen-dev.10web.site) currently tests for over 200 genetic diseases, including those that are commonly found in Jewish communities as well as other groups.  JScreen’s program is led by medical professionals at Emory University School of Medicine’s Department of Human Genetics, and provides specialized genetic counseling follow-up by phone or video-conferencing for people who are identified as carriers and may be at risk for having children with genetic diseases.

Rare Disease Day was started in 2008 by Eurordis, a rare disease organization in Europe, with the USA joining the effort in 2009.  In 2013, President Barack Obama sent a letter proclaiming his support of the day – and now events are held across the country and the world to bring attention to rare diseases.

“Knowledge is power,” says Karen Arnovitz Grinzaid, MS, CGC, CCRC, JScreen’s Executive Director and Instructor in the Genetic Counseling Training Program at Emory University.  “Rare Disease Day gives us an opportunity to promote education and research, and to help prospective parents plan ahead for the health of their families.”

“Recently I spoke at an event, and a man came up to me in tears, barely able to get the words out,” said Randy Gold, who along with his wife Caroline inspired the creation of JScreen.  “He said, ‘Because of you, I have a healthy grandchild.’ I cried right along with him, because that is exactly why we started JScreen. Those stories are what keep us going.” The Gold’s daughter, Eden, was diagnosed with mucolipidosis type IV (ML4), a rare genetic disease characterized by the inability to walk or talk, a maximum mental capacity of 18 months, blindness by age 12 and a lifespan only into early adulthood.

Early genetic screening is important – as 80% of babies with genetic diseases are born to parents with no known family history of that disease. JScreen’s program helps parents plan for a healthy family, and allows them to make choices about their own family’s future.

“Learn what you’re carrying – even if you have no family history of genetic diseases, it can still happen to you,” says Alissa Marino, whose child was also diagnosed with ML4. “There are so many diseases you’ve never heard of.  Get tested, so that when the time comes, and you’re ready to have a child, – you can know what runs in your family.  You can plan accordingly to help ensure you have a healthy child.”

# # # # #

JScreen is a national non-profit public health initiative dedicated to preventing Jewish genetic diseases. Headquartered in Atlanta at Emory University School of Medicine, the JScreen initiative provides convenient at-home access to cutting-edge genetic testing technology, patient education and genetic counseling services.  JScreen believes the combination of education, access to premier gene screening technologies and personalized, confidential support are the keys to preventing these devastating diseases.

Random Acts of Kindness Day and How You Can Celebrate

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By: Megan Castiel

While there aren’t any decorations or songs involved, Random Acts of Kindness Day should nonetheless be celebrated. This day might not seem special if you try your best to be kind each day, but here are some tips and suggestions to go the extra mile on February 17th. If you need some extra inspiration, check out these kind deeds. 

Donate to Your Local Thrift Store:

Odds are you have that pile of clothes in the corner of your closet that you keep telling yourself you are going to wear one day. While that day may never come, February 17h is just around the corner! Whether it’s Goodwill, Salvation Army, or any other thrift store near you, take the time to gather all the clutter and donate it to a worthy cause.

Pay Ahead:

Paying the tab of a person behind you in line has recently become a kindness trend. This tends to happen at coffee shops or other quick food places where the person randomly lets the cashier know that they want to pay the bill for another patron. There are even stories of people continuously paying ahead, think of a line of kindness. To the receiver of this gesture, this simple deed can mean a lot.

Tip Generously:

Whether it is going out to eat or getting your car wash, these employees work hard to make sure you receive good service. Perhaps Random Acts of Kindness Day can inspire you to raise your tip by 5-10% (or more). I’m sure they’d appreciate the added surprise.

Call Your Friends or Family

While we love our friends and family, sometimes it can be hard to keep up with communication. These people are important to you so give them a call! Talk about all the great acts of kindness you had been doing throughout the day and maybe inspire them to do the same. While you’re on the phone, show them you care by telling them to get JScreened if they’re planning to have kids so they can have peace of mind concerning their future children. Or better yet, gift them a kit!

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Jewish Spots You Can’t Miss in Los Angeles

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By Megan Castiel

Fairfax District

Taking up a chunk of Downtown LA, the Fairfax District has one of the highest Jewish populations in California. Attractions in Fairfax include the Farmers Market, The Grove, CBS studios, and Fairfax Avenue and Melrose Avenue (featuring restaurants and shopping).

The Fairfax Community Mural

Painted by muralist Art Mortimer in 1985, the street art takes up the whole wall of Canter’s Deli. The mural is designed in panels, each telling the story of Jewish people in LA beginning in 1841. Read more about how the mural was constructed and the history it depicts.

Holocaust Museums

Los Angeles is privileged enough to host two Holocaust remembrances museums, the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust and the Museum of Tolerance.

Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust (LAMOTH)

In 1961, a group of Holocaust survivors learning English at Hollywood High formed a cohort to talk and support each other with their shared experiences. Over time they shared their photos, saved concentration camp uniforms, and other items from the era. Together they decided that these Holocaust reminders needed a shared home. The museum was established to remember those who were lost and to educate the next generation. The museum is free for all as they believe that everyone, no matter economic background, should remember the Holocaust. Learn more.

 Museum of Tolerance

This museum serves as an education center and a human rights center. Their goal is that all visitors understand the Holocaust both in a historic and contemporary view. The Museum of Tolerance has been open since 1993 and admission is $15.50 but they have a senior ($12.50) and student ($11.50) discount. For more information about the landmark.

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Thrift Shop

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization with a mission to advocating for social justice and quality of life for women and families. The LA chapter created Council Thrift Shop in 1924 to raise awareness and donations; since then, seven more locations have sprouted across Los Angeles. Learn more about the national and local non-profit here.

 

Summer

Top 7 Things to Do in Baltimore This Summer

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1. Visit the Inner Harbor! There is a lot to do between the National Aquarium, touring the USS Constellation, and taking a Water Taxi ride.

 

2. Go to an Orioles game, especially for their great promotions! Every Sunday home game gives the opportunity for kids ages 4 to 14 to run the bases.

 

3. Visit Fort McHenry and learn about the history of our National Anthem.

 

4. Go to Larriland Farms in Woodbine to pick your own fruits and vegetables. They have everything from cherries and raspberries to rhubarb and pumpkins.

 

5. Visit a local brewery — there are so many downtown! Diamondback Brewing is known for their travels around the north to bring new flavors into Baltimore. Sagamore Distillery, located in Port Covington, has an engaging tour focused on learning about the history of their Rye Whiskey.

Finally, for the first time since 1954, Guinness Brewing is coming to America and setting up shop just outside of Baltimore City in Halethorpe. Their test taproom is open now, but the brewery will be fully open in August 2018 with new and exciting Guinness brews.

 

6. Go to an event at Power Plant Live! They have family fun days and concerts multiple nights a week.

 

7. Get screened with JScreen by requesting your kit. The process is easy and fast! After registering online, your kit will be sent to your home where there are instructions on how to make the saliva sample. Then, just mail your kit using the prepaid mailer.

 

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