The city's medical examiner will offer free genetic screening to at-risk family members of people who die suddenly and unexpectedly from disease.
The goal is to detect inherited conditions early and connect survivors to life-saving treatment.
At the New York City medical examiner's office, the molecular genetics lab is often where a cause of death is determined.
Each year, the lab tests more than 300 genes for a range of diseases, helping families learn what happened to their deceased loved one.
And soon, the lab will also be used to prevent people from dying.
"We are, very much invested in innovating, beyond the traditional role of the medical examiner's office, to engage in primary prevention work and save lives," NYC Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jason Graham.
The GIFTS (Genetic Intervention Family Services) program is funded by the city with $600,000 a year to fund 4 scientists, a genetic counselor plus supplies and equipment. Testing will begin in the new year.
All that's required is a cheek swab.
If there's a match, a genetic counselor can connect the family member with treatment.
"Having these answers for families is very important for them to at least knowing if they do have that increased risk, or maybe they can test negative and be reassured that they're not at this increased risk," Genetic counselor Sarah Saxton said.
The GIFTS program removes the barriers by being completely free.
"We reach many marginalized populations. And this is a way to provide better care to those families and also to address some of the issues around health equity that exist in the city," Graham said.
This is the only Medical Examiner's Office in the country to be doing this work.
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