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Newborn Screening Awareness Month

This month, join us in spreading awareness for Newborn Screening - a simple test that can save lives and protect the health of precious newborns.

Tuesday

1–30

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEAll of September

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYHealth Conditions

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

September is not just the start of fall, but it's also a very special month for newborns and their families as it is Newborn Screening Awareness Month. This month-long celebration, which began in 2008, is all about raising awareness of the importance of testing newborn babies for certain genetic, metabolic and congenital disorders. These screenings can help detect potential health issues early on so that they can be treated promptly, potentially saving lives and improving the quality of life for these tiny bundles of joy. Let's spread the word and support this important cause during the month of September!

TIMELINE

Newborn Screening Awareness Month Timeline

First Screening of Newborns

Dr. Robert Guthrie develops the first screening test for newborns, initially for phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that can cause developmental problems if untreated.

U.S. States Adopt Screening

By 1975, all U.S. states have implemented newborn screening programs thanks to the Federation of Pediatric Organizations and March of Dimes.

Uniform Screening Panel

The American College of Medical Genetics recommends a uniform screening panel for all newborns, including tests for 29 specific diseases.

Newborn Screening Awareness Month

The first Newborn Screening Awareness Month is celebrated in September to raise awareness about the importance of newborn screening tests.

Screening Expansion

The newborn screening panel expands to include over 30 additional conditions, including cystic fibrosis and certain heart diseases.

Global Adoption

By this year, newborn screening had been adopted in over 80 countries worldwide, significantly increasing the early detection and treatment of several infant disorders.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Newborn Screening Awareness Month

Educate yourself and others

Take the time to learn about newborn screening and its importance. Share your knowledge with friends, family, and community members to raise awareness.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in a fundraiser

Support organizations that work towards improving newborn screening processes by participating in a fundraising event or making a donation.

ORGANIZE

Organize a community event

Host an event in your community to raise awareness about newborn screening. This could be a panel discussion, movie screening, or informational session.

Share your story

If you or someone you know has been impacted by newborn screening, share your story with others to show the importance of early detection and treatment.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer your time

Find a local organization that works towards improving newborn screening and offer your time and skills to help their cause.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Newborn Screening Awareness Month is Important

It raises awareness for rare diseases and conditions

Newborn screening is not just important for common genetic conditions, but also for rare ones that may go undiagnosed without routine testing. By bringing attention to these rare diseases, we can promote research and support for those affected by them.

It can save lives

Newborn screening helps detect serious, but treatable, genetic conditions in babies that may not present symptoms at birth. Detecting these conditions early on allows for prompt treatment and can prevent serious health complications or even death.

Increased awareness leads to better healthcare for infants

When parents and healthcare providers are aware of the importance of newborn screening, they are more likely to make sure their baby receives this crucial test. This promotes early detection and treatment, leading to healthier outcomes for infants.

Related holidays

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Join the fight this National Birth Defects Prevention Month by spreading awareness and supporting organizations that work towards prevention!

March of Dimes Birth Defects Prevention Month

March is not just about shamrocks and lucky charms - it's also Birth Defects Prevention Month with the March of Dimes, raising awareness for healthy pregnancies and babies.

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week

Join us in raising awareness for Congenital Heart Defects during this important week - together, we can spread knowledge and support those affected.

Fragile X Awareness Month

Join us in raising awareness and support for Fragile X Syndrome this month. Together, we can make a difference for those affected by this condition.

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