Summertime 2020: Virtual Events and Remote Services

Dear Victor Center Friends,

Summertime is upon us!  We are so happy to reach out to you with this newsletter. It has been far too long since we have communicated because of the COVID 19 pandemic. Many of us were furloughed or have been working part-time, while the rest of us have been working remotely. Now, we are all back working at full force and want to share some new opportunities at the Victor Center. You may recall that we established a new “Screen in Quarantine” program in April so that you can participate in preconception genetic counselling virtually and receive a test kit to your home. We even have mobile phlebotomy available to anyone who would like to have blood drawn for the test instead of saliva.  Visit www.victorcenter.org to request a test and learn more.

Statistically, there are more conceptions during the summer. (Think of all those weddings and romantic getaways!)  What better time to do preconception screening?  Many of you have been tested in the past with smaller panels of 19 or fewer disorders. If that is the case, it is most important that you update your panel soon.  Today’s preconception genetic screens can detect many more disorders with greater precision. The Victor Center panel now tests for over 200 gene mutations. For those who have tested and been found to be carriers, please remember to encourage your family members to screen.  Give them and everyone you know the opportunity to learn the vital health information you gained through screening.  At present, we can screen anyone with residence in the states of Florida, Pennsylvania, or Massachusetts.

In other news, we are pleased to announce that we now offer virtual screening and educational events.  Our dynamic, interactive Zoom presentations are a great way to bring together friends, families, colleagues, and Jewish communities while physically distancing.  (Virtual wedding shower, anyone?)  It’s a very simple process that you can do in the comfort of your own homes. Please reach out to Debbie Wasserman at 786-897-9587 or Deborah.Wasserman@nicklaushealth.org for more information.

We look forward to hearing from you – and virtually seeing you – very soon!

Sincerely,

Debbie Wasserman, Genetic Counselor and National Outreach Coordinator
Evelyn Dean-Olmsted, Outreach Associate

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