The VaAGC is an organization that was developed in the fall of 2007 by a group of genetic counselors representing various regions in Virginia as an outgrowth of conversations begun at recent state meetings. The intended purpose of the organization is to facilitate communication among counselors in Virginia and to serve as a resource for relevant information to the public.

What is the Virginia Association of Genetic Counselors?

Our Mission

The mission of VaAGC as outlined by our bylaws includes:

• To increase our profession's visibility within Virginia

• To improve collaboration and networking opportunities among genetic counselors in Virginia

• To mobilize Virginia genetic counselors who wish to take action on issues relevant to our profession

• To encourage professional growth and continuing education among genetic counselors in Virginia

• To increase accessibility to and provide a centralized location for relevant information regarding genetics in Virginia

We aim to maximize the quality of genetic health care and to improve and promote the practice of genetic counseling in the state of Virginia.

Genetic counselors in Virginia began meeting in the 1990’s to network and discuss issues of importance to the profession. These meetings began in a small and informal way but progressed, through the efforts of many dedicated people, to a well-structured and professional format. Several members representing various regions in the state laid the groundwork for an organization that would increase the profession's visibility in the public domain and provide representation and greater networking opportunities among genetic counselors in the state.

In February 2008, the Virginia Association of Genetic Counselors (VaAGC) was established and membership was opened to all genetic counselors practicing or living in the state of Virginia. An interim Board of Directors was named to define the Association’s goals and to begin coordinating activities. The first slate of Officers was elected in October 2008 and the structure of the VaAGC rapidly began to take shape. The organization’s Bylaws, including its Mission and Vision, were written and three standing committees were formed: licensure and public policy, state meeting and education, and communications, marketing and web design. Since inception, the VaAGC has created a website, coordinated annual state education meetings, held multiple elections, and successfully obtained national grants to aid in licensure efforts. In 2012, the VaAGC became incorporated as a Virginia nonstock corporation.

Reproductive freedom is a necessary part of equitable, safe, and conscientious health care. Supporting access to basic reproductive care, such as abortion and birth control, is a necessary action in the effort to decrease healthcare disparities. VaAGC respects and supports the right for all pregnant individuals to make autonomous decisions about their health.

In accordance with our vision and mission, the Virginia Association of Genetic Counselors (VaAGC), strives to maximize the quality of genetic healthcare and to enhance accessibility to genetic healthcare for all individuals within the state of Virginia. The VaAGC recognizes that success depends upon reflecting the diversity of the communities that we serve, as diversity is integral to the development of better healthcare systems for all. Therefore, as an organization, VaAGC works to fulfill our vision and mission goals by welcoming and encouraging the active participation of people with diverse identities, perspectives, and backgrounds. VaAGC has implemented a model of inclusive practice, in which we promote an environment where all individuals are recognized, respected, and accepted. In the stead of a singular committee focused upon efforts to improve justice, diversity, equity and inclusion, the VaAGC will incorporate attention to such topics in each individual aspect of our organization’s work. The leadership of the VaAGC is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture within our leadership/organization, membership and patient-facing sphere. The VaAGC encourages its members to recognize the diversity of the people they serve and the colleagues they work with and create sustained efforts to promote equity and inclusion for all individuals. Similar to many other professional organizations, the VaAGC pledges to promote inclusivity and diversity in both the genetics and medical fields.