Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)

The Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) is a public service providing reliable, up-to-date information about genetic and rare diseases. It operates under the National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) and the Office of Rare Diseases Research (ORDR) within the National Institutes of Health. GARD helps patients, families, and healthcare professionals access evidence-based answers and connects them with support and research resources.

GARD’s mission is to improve public understanding of rare and genetic diseases by offering clear, accurate, and accessible information. It answers inquiries from the public through phone, email, and online forms, supported by medical specialists and science writers. The center translates complex biomedical research into practical knowledge to assist informed health decisions.

The center maintains a comprehensive online database containing summaries of thousands of rare and genetic conditions, including symptoms, causes, inheritance patterns, and current treatment or research updates. GARD also links users to patient organizations, clinical trials, and NIH-funded studies, serving as a bridge between scientific discovery and affected communities.

GARD collaborates with other NIH programs, advocacy groups, and global partners to promote rare-disease awareness and coordinate research efforts. Its multilingual outreach and evidence-based materials support equitable access to information, contributing to the broader goals of translational science and patient empowerment in rare disease research.