I would be interested in finding out the Mennonite distribution in
Nebraska.  I suspect the Holdrege and Minden areas may have a larger
Mennonite population, but am certain, and don't know which other
communities might also.  FYI, since we started MS/MS screening in July of
2003, we have never identified a newborn with MSUD,...although our birth
rate is only 26,500+ per year, and our MSUD at-risk population may be quite
small.

Julie Miller, Program Manager
Newborn Screening/Genetics
Nebr. Health & Human Services,
Dept. of Regulation & Licensure
P.O. Box 95007
Lincoln, NE  68509-5007
402 471-6733   FAX: 402 471-1863
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"There are no such things as incurables, there are only things for which
man has found no cure", Bernard Baruch


                                                                           
             "Peck, Dawn"                                                  
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             Regional Genetics                                     Subject 
             Group                     looking for a collaborator - MSUD   
             <HEARTLAND@SPEEDY         carrier testing for the Mennonite   
             .OUHSC.EDU>               population                          
                                                                           
                                                                           
             12/07/2006 08:50                                              
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I'm looking for someone that would be interested in collaborating with a
group of us at U of MO.  We have developed a test that can be run by buccal
swabs to screen for the Mennonite MSUD mutation, as well as provide fast
diagnostic testing for at risk babies. We are also able to screen for
hemophilia in the Amish population, but this wouldn't necessarily be the
focus on this project.   We would like to also utilize telehealth services
to reach some of the populations for education and screening.

From reviewing our books re: the Mennonite population, there ARE Mennonite
communities in all of the Heartland States.  If any of you are following
any Mennonite MSUD patients, or are interested in finding out the Mennonite
distribution in your state, please let me know.

Thanks in advance!
Dawn

*****************************
Dawn S. Peck, MS, CGC
Genetic Counselor
University of Missouri Health Care
One Hospital Drive
Columbia, MO  65212
573-884-5192
573-884-3543 (f)