Catalyst, a research program created by Southern Research, a Birmingham-based non-profit, is on a mission to provide free genetic testing — and the invaluable health insights it provides — to communities across Alabama.
Catalyst offers genetic testing that individuals can access by registering online and ordering a free at-home test kit. Participants complete a simple cheek swab at home and return it by mail. Test results can then be shared with healthcare providers and used to support informed medical decisions.
Catalyst helps families “catch it early,” said Dr. Khalilah Brown, the Chief Medical Officer at Southern Research, meaning that participants can better understand their family health histories and gain insights into their genetic risks for conditions such as diabetes, cancer, stroke, heart disease and high blood pressure.
For Birmingham resident Sam Cargo, participating in Catalyst was an exciting opportunity to learn more about his own health and future risks.
“I was excited to take part in the program and see what I can learn,” Cargo said.
Participants in Catalyst can also learn more about how their bodies may respond to certain medications — something Cargo found especially valuable.
“I was able to see how different medications work or don’t work as well with me,” Cargo said. “And then also, the risk percentages on inherited diseases that I would not be aware of.”
With their results, participants can take proactive steps in consultation with their doctors before a condition develops or worsens. Cargo says the information he received helped him think more intentionally about his personal health plan.
“It just allowed me to learn more about what works best for me and helps you set up an individual plan for your health,” he said.
By participating, Alabamians also contribute to a research effort that could change how chronic diseases are managed in the state and improve health outcomes for decades to come.
“For decades, much of our work in drug discovery benefited people outside our state before it ever reached Alabama,” Dr. Brown said. “Catalyst flips that script. This program was designed to give Alabamians access first, and to make sure patients and their providers can actually use the results in real healthcare decisions.”
Catalyst is particularly critical in Alabama, where chronic conditions like heart disease are widespread. In addition, half the state is rural, where access to specialized care can often be limited.
Participants receive genetic insights into health risk, pharmacogenomic results that show which medications may work best for them or should be avoided, and information that they can share with their healthcare providers. Participants also have access to a genetic counselor at no cost.
“This program guarantees patients results that are clinically actionable — meaning you can actually use the information in your healthcare,” Dr. Brown said.
For many Alabamians, another major benefit is how easy — and accessible — the entire process is.
“It was extremely easy to work with the people there,” Cargo said. “It was really cool to do the cheek swab instead of giving blood. That was very quick and painless.”
He also said the follow-up process was simple: “Setting up an account and being able to get emails was very easy.”
Importantly, only de-identified data — with no personal information attached — is used in research. Participants may share test results directly with their healthcare provider, just like any other lab test.
Cargo said Catalyst is especially appealing because it provides real value at no cost to the participants.
“The fact that it’s free and then also just the fact that everybody wants to know what they’re putting in their body… it can help you,” he said.
He also appreciates that the program helps the larger community.
“Being from Birmingham, I love Birmingham,” Cargo said. “I just think it’s a cool opportunity that anybody can do because of the fact that it’s free. They can learn a lot about themselves, but they can also help people in Birmingham learn more about what’s going on.”
Cargo encourages others to look into the program for themselves.
“I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to do this,” he said. “It can help you learn more about yourself and then help Alabama as a whole.”
