About the JGDC
The Jewish Genetic Disease Consortium (JGDC) increases awareness about genetic diseases and encourages timely and appropriate carrier screening for all individuals planning to start or add to their family. Founded in 2005, the JGDC is an alliance of non-profit organizations sharing the common goal of combating genetic diseases. While each JGDC member organization has its own individual mission, the JGDC unites these organizations to jointly strengthen public education and awareness about appropriate carrier screening. Initially, the JGDC focused its efforts on the Jewish community, where screening for many diseases was recommended. However, since genetic science rapidly evolved and screening recommendations changed, the JGDC is now committed to educating everyone about carrier screening for genetic diseases.
JGDC Programs
Through “JGDC In Your Community”, the JGDC offers a three-pronged approach to educate communities about carrier screening for genetic diseases. Through its “Medical Grand Rounds Program”, “Couples Aware Program”, and “Community Program”, the JGDC educates physicians, clergy, and the lay community about genetic diseases. The shared goal of these JGDC programs is to decrease the incidence of genetic diseases and assure healthy families by increasing preconception carrier screening rates and promoting the understanding of reproductive options available to carrier couples.
Please click here to learn more about “JGDC In Your Community.” If you are interested in bringing these programs to your community, please contact the JGDC by email at info@JewishGeneticDiseases.org or phone at 855-642-6900.
JGDC Leadership
Board of Directors
Co-Chairs
Orren Alperstein – Canavan Foundation
Marion Yanovsky – National Tay-Sachs & Allied Diseases Association
Treasurer
Marion Yanovsky
Secretary
Paula Greenberg Kutner
Board Members at Large
Melissa Chaikof – Usher 1F Collaborative
Geoffrey Gee – Neuromuscular Disease Foundation
Kevin Romer – Mathew Forbes Romer Foundation
Elisa Ross – Genetic Disease Foundation
Ann Slaw – Familial Dysautonomia NOW Foundation
Project Coordinator
Shari Ungerleider
Medical Advisors
Judith Wilner, MD – Chair
Debra-Lynn Day-Salvatore, MD, PhD
Randi Zinberg, MS, CGC
Rabbinic Advisor
Rabbi Peter E. Kasdan
In Memorium
John Barranger, MD – Medical Advisor
Frances Berkwits, MS, LMSW – Genetic Counselor
Randi Yudenfriend Glaser – Board Chair
Stanley Michelman – JGDC Founder and Board Chair
Lois Neufeld – JGDC Founder and Board Chair
David L. Rimoin, MD, PhD – Medical Advisor
Lawrence R. Shapiro, MD – Medical Advisor
JGDC Supporters
