Parkview Opens Groundbreaking DNA Insights Program to All Fort Wayne Residents

Parkview Health is dramatically expanding its ambitious health research initiative, inviting the entire community to participate in the Parkview DNA Insights program.

 

This marks a significant shift, as the program was previously limited to existing Parkview patients and employees.

 

Now, any adult with a Parkview MyChart account can access no-cost genetic screening designed to identify potential health risks before they become critical.

 

The goal is to empower individuals with personalized information about their own health while building a powerful database for future medical breakthroughs.

 

Participants provide a simple blood sample and in return receive a detailed genetic report.

 

This screening searches for inherited risk factors for certain conditions, including hereditary cancers like breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer.

 

It also flags a hereditary form of high cholesterol known as familial hypercholesterolemia, which can elevate the risk for heart attack and stroke.

 

This is about making precision health accessible to everyone, according to Dr. Michael Mirro, the health system’s chief academic research officer.

 

For the 1-2% of participants expected to have a positive result for a serious condition, the program provides a no-cost genetic counseling session to discuss a proactive care plan.

 

In partnership with precision health organization Helix, Parkview aims to enroll 100,000 participants over the next five years.

 

Dr. Jamie L. Renbarger, the lead investigator for the study, highlighted how this expansion will fuel research that could benefit generations to come.

 

It's a powerful fusion of innovation and direct community benefit.

 

By contributing their data, residents of Fort Wayne and the surrounding region are helping to build smarter, more effective health programs right here at home.

 

For more information, please visit:

 

https://www.parkview.com/dnainsights

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Who is eligible for the Parkview DNA Insights program?

 

Any individual aged 18 or older with a Parkview MyChart account is eligible to enroll.  You do not need to be an existing Parkview patient.

 

How much does the genetic screening cost?

 

Participation in the DNA Insights program, including the genetic screening and any necessary follow-up genetic counseling, is provided at no cost.

 

What health risks does the DNA Insights program screen for?

 

The program screens for genetic variants that increase the risk for certain hereditary cancers (breast, ovarian, colorectal) and familial hypercholesterolemia, a hereditary form of high cholesterol.