The HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology and the Univer­sity of Alabama at Birming­ham (UAB) School of Medicine have launched the Alabama Genomic Health Initiative (AGHI). The project, funded by a $2 million appropriation from the Alabama Legislature, encompasses a statewide effort to help identify those at high risk for a genetic illness, and to provide a basis for continuing research into genetic contributors to health and disease. To start, the AGHI will recruit a diverse group of 2,000 participants from every county in Alabama and provide whole genome sequencing and interpretation to these individuals free of charge. Over a 5-year period, the goal will be to increase the database to include genetic information from more than 10,000 people. Participants whose results indicate an increased risk of a disease for which preventive or treatment strategies exist will also receive genetic counseling and be linked to appropriate medical care, potentially with the Smith Family Clinic for Genomic Medicine on the HudsonAlpha campus or the UAB Undiagnosed Diseases Program.