DOE Human Genome Program Contractor-Grantee Workshop VIII
February 27-March 2, 2000  Santa Fe, NM

132. Hispanic Role Model and Science Education Outreach Project - Human Genome Project Education and Outreach Component

Clay Dillingham

Institute Of Genetics Education (IGE), Self Reliance Foundation (SRF) and the Hispanic Radio Network (HRN), Santa Fe, NM 87505

CDillingham@GenEd.org

This year completes the DOE sponsored project. The project continued to write, produce and broadcast radio programs, in Spanish, about the scientific, medical, and ELSI consequences of the HGP.

The project more than doubled the number of radio programs to 50 shows this year. These programs were divided among three popular radio shows:

• "Fuente de Salud" ("Fountain of Health") 30 programs

• ·"Fuente de Salud" reaches an estimated 48.9% of the Hispanic population.

• "Planeta Azul" ("Blue Planet") 10 programs

• ·"Planeta Azule" reaches an estimated 86.4% of the Hispanic population.

• "Saber es Poder" ("To Know is to be Able") 10 programs

• ·"Saber es Poder" reaches an estimated 46.2% of the Hispanic population.

Topics covered in the episodes focus on:

• Introducing the Human Genome Project's science, genetic medicine and ELSI issues. Particular emphasis is given to issues that Hispanics find important and interesting.

• Utilizing Hispanic individuals involved in aspects of Genome Research and its implications.

• The economic implications.

• Bio Industry's involvement in the genetic revolution.

• Encouraging Hispanics students to pursue science and biotechnology as a career.

In addition, this year the project added two new dimensions to the project.

1."Mundo 2000"

The project produced three shows for the acclaimed radio talk show "Mundo 2000." These were one hour long shows featuring Spanish-speaking experts in genetics or related fields discussing the issues. "Mundo 2000" is currently carried by 17 affiliates and reaches an estimated 20.9% of the US Hispanic population. However, it is also broadcast throughout Latin America, with a additional estimated audience of 15.3 million.

2."La Columna Vertebral"

The project began providing information via the syndicated newspaper column, "La Columna Vertebral." "La Columna Vertibral" is syndicated in 82 Spanish language newspapers, with a combined circulation of about 2.5 million readers.