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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!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1963</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Screening of Newborns</div><div class='timeline-text'>Dr. Robert Guthrie develops the first screening test for newborns, initially for phenylketonuria (PKU), a genetic disorder that can cause developmental problems if untreated.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1975</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>U.S. States Adopt Screening</div><div class='timeline-text'>By 1975, all U.S. states have implemented newborn screening programs thanks to the Federation of Pediatric Organizations and March of Dimes.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Uniform Screening Panel</div><div class='timeline-text'>The American College of Medical Genetics recommends a uniform screening panel for all newborns, including tests for 29 specific diseases.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2008</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Newborn Screening Awareness Month</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Newborn Screening Awareness Month is celebrated in September to raise awareness about the importance of newborn screening tests.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2013</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Screening Expansion</div><div class='timeline-text'>The newborn screening panel expands to include over 30 additional conditions, including cystic fibrosis and certain heart diseases.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2018</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Adoption</div><div class='timeline-text'>By this year, newborn screening had been adopted in over 80 countries worldwide, significantly increasing the early detection and treatment of several infant disorders.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn about newborn screening and its importance. Share your knowledge with friends, family, and community members to raise awareness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Participate in a fundraiser</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Support organizations that work towards improving newborn screening processes by participating in a fundraising event or making a donation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a community event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Host an event in your community to raise awareness about newborn screening. This could be a panel discussion, movie screening, or informational session.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Share your story</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer your time</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Find a local organization that works towards improving newborn screening and offer your time and skills to help their cause.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It can save lives</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Increased awareness leads to better healthcare for infants</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for rare diseases and conditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>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.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Newborn Screenings are Fast and Non-Invasive</h3><p class='facts-content'>Just a few drops of blood obtained by a heel prick, a hearing screen, and a pulse oximetry test - taking only a matter of minutes, the newborn screening process is both quick and harmless.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Cost of Newborn Screening is Minimal Compared to the Long-term Care of Undiagnosed Conditions</h3><p class='facts-content'>The financial cost of newborn screening is small compared to the potential long-term medical costs and developmental support services required for children whose conditions remained undiagnosed at birth.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Newborn Screening Programs Have Expanded To Include More Conditions Over Time</h3><p class='facts-content'>As the science of genetic testing has advanced over the decades, more and more potentially harmful conditions can be screened for, enabling early intervention and preventive treatment.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Most Newborn Screenings Are State-Mandated</h3><p class='facts-content'>Each state in the U.S. has its own guidelines for newborn screening tests, and many require by law that newborns be tested for certain conditions.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Parental Consent is Usually Needed for Newborn Screening</h3><p class='facts-content'>While lifesaving and beneficial, it's also necessary to secure parental consent before most newborn screening tests can be performed, respecting individual's rights to make informed healthcare choices.</p></div></div>
Newborn Screening Awareness Month is celebrated on September 1 every year. In 2024, the first day of the month falls on a Sunday.
2023
Sep 1
Friday
2024
Sep 1
Sunday
2025
Sep 1
Monday
2026
Sep 1
Tuesday
2027
Sep 1
Wednesday
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