The Jewish Student Association of the University of Missouri-St. Louis and the Young Professionals Division (YPD) of Jewish Federation are sponsoring a community wide genetic testing drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15 at the Jewish Community Center Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Dr. Representatives from J-Screen will be present to collect saliva samples needed for the test and to answer questions. The test is for 40 diseases that are common in people with Jewish background, including conditions more commonly found in the Ashkenazi, Mizrahi or Sephardic populations. The test is $99 per person for anyone with any type of commercial insurance. 

To expedite the process on Nov. 15, organizers recommended that participants register in advance (although J-Screen will accept all walk-ins). To register, visit JScreen.org and click “Request Your Kit.” Fill out the information requested and select “St. Louis Screening” from the drop-down menu when asked “How did you hear about JScreen?” To avoid additional out-of-pocket expenses, participants must enter their insurance information. Those who register in advance will have a kit which will be waiting for them at the event on Nov. 15. 

For more information about the screening service, visit https://jscreen.org/reasons-for-genetic-testing.