Our Purpose
The Maine Genetic Counselors Association (MaineGCA) was founded in 2026 to support the interests of genetic counselors practicing in and serving the State of Maine through advocacy, outreach, and education.
MaineGCA aims to help ensure robust and safe access to genetic testing and genetic services for Mainers.
Advocacy
MaineGCA advocates for policies and practices that support equitable access to high-quality genetic counseling services across the state. We work to elevate the voice of genetic counselors in healthcare, promote professional recognition, and engage with policymakers, healthcare systems, and stakeholders to ensure that genetics and genomics are integrated thoughtfully and responsibly into patient care. Through advocacy, we aim to strengthen the profession while improving outcomes for individuals and families in Maine.
Outreach
MaineGCA seeks to build awareness and understanding of genetic counseling among the public, healthcare providers, and community partners. We strive to make genetic counseling more visible, accessible, and inclusive by fostering connections across disciplines and communities, sharing reliable genetics information, and highlighting the role genetic counselors play in supporting informed decision-making throughout the lifespan.
Education
MaineGCA supports lifelong learning for genetic counselors and promotes genetics education for healthcare professionals and the broader community. We aim to provide opportunities for professional development, knowledge sharing, and collaboration, while also helping to ensure that accurate, up-to-date genetics information is available to those who need it. Through education, we aim to empower both providers and patients in an evolving genomic landscape.