New project provides free genetic testing for Alabamians

MONTGOMERY, Ala. ( WIAT ) — Free genetic testing is now available for everyone in Alabama. It’s all part of a new project that aims to give patients access to better care and clinical trials.

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth joined Southern Research, a non-profit organization at UAB, to launch ‘Catalyst.’ He said the new project will create jobs and give Alabamians better insight into their health.

“I imagine if I’d got this when I was a child, I’d probably find out that I was allergic to penicillin instead of taking it and realizing the reaction to that,” recalled Ainsworth. “So, I think just what they’re doing here with technology and the impact it’s gonna have on people in Alabama- I’m real excited.”

The blood test, done through your doctor, can tell patients what diseases they are at risk for, including type two diabetes and breast cancer.

Dr. Khalilah Brown, vice president of medical affairs and patient advocacy for Southern Research, said Alabamians statewide can opt in to this testing through their doctor. “Making sure that we have access to that for patients that are in all 67 counties, whether you’re in rural Perry County or Andalusia,” she said. “Making sure you have the same access as somebody who’s in Huntsville, Mobile, or Jefferson County.”

She said blood samples will also be deidentified and used for future research, finding cures for chronic diseases.

Josh Carpenter, President of Southern Research, said patients will have access to new medicine through clinical trials. “What we think, is that this creates an opportunity to make sure if a patient at home has a disease that hasn’t been discovered, they’ll get access to cutting edge medicine that they would otherwise have access to- but for this project,” said Carpenter.

Carpenter explained $20 million of American Rescue Plan Funds (ARPA) have made the project free of charge until the end of 2026.

“We took ARPA funds and put them to use to help people in our state. This right here is another way, what better way than to help people with their health,” said Ainsworth. “Real encouraged at the fact it’s gonna be free to people in our state and it’s gonna basically- end result is, gonna be a healthier Alabama.”

Ainsworth said chronic disease costs Alabama over $13 billion every year. You can learn more by clicking here .

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