Enrollment
The Alabama Genomic Health Initiative (AGHI) offers opportunities for Alabama residents to participate in genomic research that may support their health and the health of future generations. While enrollment cannot be completed directly through the website, our team is here to help answer questions and guide you through the process.
AGHI Enrollment Cohorts
AGHI currently supports two main cohorts. Each cohort has different goals and may yield different types of results, which are then returned to participants.
Most AGHI participants are enrolled in the clinical cohort. This group focuses on providing health-relevant genetic results that can help guide medical care.
- Who can join: Adults (19+) who meet clinical eligibility requirements
- What is tested: A focused set of genes known to be associated with medically actionable conditions
- What you may receive:
- Results that could help guide medical care if an actionable genetic change is found
- Education and support from genetic counselors
Important note: Whole genome sequencing is not performed in this cohort.
This cohort supports individuals — both adults and children — with suspected genetic conditions that are not yet well-understood. Researchers use whole-genome sequencing to look deeper for possible answers.
- Who can join: Adults and children with clinical indicators of a potential rare genetic disorder (referral required)
- What is tested: The entire genome to identify rare or unknown genetic causes of disease
- What you may receive:
- Results that may explain medical concerns
- Information to help guide medical care and future planning
What to Expect After You Contact Us
- We will confirm your eligibility and walk you through consent
- A saliva or blood sample is collected at a partnering clinical site
- Results are returned (if medically relevant), along with counseling and education
- Participants may be contacted for ongoing research opportunities as science advances