Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) awarded Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai $809,307 under the Cardiovascular Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.837) for the project "Am I At Risk? Health Empowerment Through Population Genomic Screening for Transthyretin Amyloidosis." The award commenced July 1, 2026, with a completion date of March 31, 2031. This project delivers population-based genomic screening services and implementation research focused on identifying carriers of hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (ATTRV), particularly the V142I mutation prevalent in African American and Hispanic/Latino populations, who currently represent approximately 2 million Americans but remain largely undiagnosed.

The grant supports a multi-phase research initiative that includes focus group engagement with African American and Hispanic/Latino community members in New York City through partnerships with secular and faith-based organizations, needs assessment activities, and development of culturally sensitive communication strategies to improve acceptability and feasibility of transthyretin genomic screening. The project applies implementation mapping methodology to understand barriers to genetic testing and preconceived attitudes toward genetic services, ultimately producing evidence-based strategies to facilitate early detection and intervention for this treatable but often-undetected cardiovascular condition.