Reviewed by: Patience Itson
How this free genetic testing program reached all 67 Alabama counties
Reading time: 4 minutes
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Getting specialized healthcare can be challenging for Alabamians who live far from a major medical center. Catalyst, Southern Research’s free genetic testing program, aimed to ease that challenge by bringing personalized health insights directly to people’s homes.
Since launching in October 2024, the statewide initiative has reached more than 9,400 participants across all 67 Alabama counties, providing access to help Alabamians understand more about their inherited health risks through no-cost genetic testing.
The program officially closed enrollment on September 30, 2026, concluding an effort to expand access to genetic testing statewide. We spoke with the team to learn how Catalyst made an impact on healthcare for individuals across Alabama.
What did Catalyst provide for Alabama participants?
“Catalyst set out to answer a simple question: What happens when you make clinical genetic testing free and easy for anyone in Alabama?”
Dr. Oliver Hampton, Chief Data Officer and Principal Investigator, Catalyst
Catalyst gave participants in Alabama full access to advanced health insights at no cost through an at-home cheek swab kit. By analyzing your DNA, the program provided personalized information that can help individuals and healthcare providers better understand potential risks and treatment options long before health issues arise.
After signing up, participants received their testing kit via mail. Once the test was completed and mailed back, they received a full genetic report along with the opportunity to meet with a genetic counselor who could walk them through what everything means for them and their family.
The report detailed valuable insights in three key areas:
- Genetic health risks—Reports reveal inherited risk factors for conditions like heart disease, diabetes or certain cancers. This doesn’t mean you will develop these conditions, but it does give you a clearer picture of what to watch for and discuss with your doctor.
- Pharmacogenomic results—Pharmacogenomic testing looks at how your genes affect the way your body responds to medications. The results can show which medications may work best for you, and even which ones you might want to avoid due to side effects or reduced effectiveness.
- Shareable insights for your doctor—This is information you can bring directly to your healthcare provider, helping guide more personalized treatment decisions now and in the future.
With that information, Alabamians have the tools to have more informed conversations with their healthcare providers and families about their health and wellness.
How Catalyst expanded healthcare access across Alabama
By reaching participants in all 67 Alabama counties, the program played a role in expanding access to personalized health information beyond major medical centers. In Alabama—where access to healthcare in rural areas is limited—that’s a big deal.
Beyond individual health insights, its statewide reach gave researchers a broader look at Alabama’s health and where future efforts could make a difference.
Here’s a look at the stats:
- 9,400+ participants across Alabama
- All 67 counties represented
- 5,600+ samples collected
- 400+ community events held
“Through Catalyst, each participant receives a clearer picture of their own health: their inherited risks and which medications may work best for them. That’s information they can share with their doctors and their families.
And together, they’ve given Alabama something lasting: a clearer view of our state’s health and where we need to focus to help more Alabamians live longer, healthier lives.”
Dr. Oliver Hampton, Chief Data Officer and Principal Investigator, Catalyst
What happens now that Catalyst by Southern Research has concluded?
Catalyst stopped enrolling new applications and testing kits on September 30, 2026. Those who enrolled and completed the required steps by that date can still access their results through the patient portal.
As Catalyst by Southern Research wraps up its program, the results highlight how making healthcare resources free + easier to access can help more Alabamians get important information about their health, no matter where they live.
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