SALINA — Rare diseases often require costly genetic testing and specialist visits, which can be difficult to access in rural areas. The Genomic Medicine Center at Children’s Mercy Kansas City is addressing this issue with the Genomic Answers for Kids program, which provides essential genetic testing for children.
In Salina, a town of about 47,000 people, the program partners with local physicians to offer genetic testing without the need for long travel or high costs. This initiative is particularly valuable for families facing barriers to comprehensive testing, such as long wait times and limited access to specialists.
Dr. Britton Zuccarelli, a pediatric neurologist at Salina Regional Health Center, plays a crucial role in this program. She connects local primary care providers with the Genomic Answers for Kids program and helps manage the testing process, ensuring that samples are sent to Kansas City for analysis.
The program allows families to access advanced genetic testing at no cost, significantly reducing wait times and making it easier for rural children to get the diagnoses they need. For Salina families, this means improved access to crucial genetic resources and a better chance at early diagnosis.
For more information or to see if your child qualifies, consult with local healthcare providers or visit the Genomic Medicine Center’s website.
