The National Coordinating Center (NCC) and seven Genetic Service and Newborn Screening Regional Collaborative Groups (RCs) were established by MCHB/HRSA, Genetic Services Branch as part of on-going efforts to improve the health of children and their families by promoting the translation of genetic medicine into public health and healthcare services. The RCs work to strengthen and support the genetics and newborn screening (NBS) capacity of the States and, therefore, the Nation, using a regional approach to addressing maldistribution of genetic services and resources. A fundamental goal of the program is to bring services closer to local committees. The NCC enhances the activities of the seven RCs by providing the infrastructure, coordination, technical assistance and resources necessary to address issues of universal importance, thereby avoiding duplication of efforts and allowing the regions to focus on their unique areas of need. The NCC also facilitates local projects and uses communities identified through the RCs to pilot test materials for policymakers, health professionals and families.