genCARE – Black Genome Mapping Project
Black Opportunity Fund is the national community partner on a transformational initiative with global impact. This project is led by Dr. Upton Allen, Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, at the Hospital for Sick Children. With funding from Genome Canada and Genome Atlantic, Dr. Allen and a team of experts, are leading a Canadian research project to collect genome information from 11,000 Black Canadians in Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia, to help address the current under representation of Black people in studies that collect genomic information, which is then used to develop targeted medicine and treatment protocols. BOF is a national community partner on this initiative jointly hosting Townhall events in Toronto, Montreal and Nova Scotia, to create awareness of the initiative, educate community and potential funders about the importance of this initiative, as well as to encourage Black Canadians in these regions to volunteer to participate in the project.
genCARE – Black Genome Mapping Project
FAQ's
We want to understand how a person’s genes, environment and life experiences affect diseases like high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and breast cancer. Our goal is to help create better healthcare that meets the needs of Black Canadians.
- Members of the Black communities in Canada with citizenship or permanent resident status AND
- Persons aged 18 years or older AND
- Self-identify as Black
If you agree to be part of this study, you will be asked to do the following:
- Give one blood sample for genetic testing
- Complete one questionnaire about yourself
- We will be collecting your health information
Contact us
For more information:
Email: genCARE.Project@sickkids.ca
Phone: 416-813-5443
Scan our QR code to learn more
About Genome Canada
Genome Canada is a non-profit organization that aims to use genomics-based technologies to improve the lives of Canadians. It is funded by the Government of Canada.
- Genome Canada
About Genome Atlantic
Genome Atlantic helps Atlantic Canada companies, industries and government use genomic insights and innovations to solve real-world problems.
- Genome Atlantic
About genCARE
Where genomics research will facilitate Canadian Afrocentric health Research and Empowerment
- genCARE
About SickKidsHospital for Sick Children
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), affiliated with the University of Toronto, is Canada’s most research-intensive hospital and the largest centre dedicated to improving children’s health in the country.
- SickKidsHospital for Sick Children
About BlackOpportunity Fund
Black Opportunity Fund (BOF) is a community-led registered Canadian Charitable organization, whose mandate is to dismantle anti-Black racism by establishing a sustainable pool of capital to fund Black led businesses and Black led not for profits and charities, in order to improve the social and economic well-being of Canada’s Black communities.
The fund will catalyze the cultural, socio-economic, institutional, and political change required to enable Canada’s diverse Black communities to thrive. Black Opportunity Fund will prioritize initiatives around education, health, women, criminal justice, entrepreneurship, arts & culture, and youth that impact the quality of life in Black communities across Canada.
Black Opportunity Fund fulfills its mandate by
- Providing grants to Black-led not for profits and charities, who are leading initiatives that impact the quality of life in Canada’s Black communities.
- Facilitating access to capital for Black-led businesses to drive economic empowerment through the disbursement of loans, equity investments and other funding support.
Black Opportunity Fund’s Registered charity #727678070 RR 0001
- Black Opportunity Fund
- (BOF)
