Date
Monday
Sep

September 1-30

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.

Yearly Date
September 1
Type
Month
Category
Health

Introduction

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!

Newborn Screening Awareness Month Timeline

1963
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.
1975
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.
2005
Uniform Screening Panel
The American College of Medical Genetics recommends a uniform screening panel for all newborns, including tests for 29 specific diseases.
2008
Newborn Screening Awareness Month
The first Newborn Screening Awareness Month is celebrated in September to raise awareness about the importance of newborn screening tests.
2013
Screening Expansion
The newborn screening panel expands to include over 30 additional conditions, including cystic fibrosis and certain heart diseases.
2018
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.

How to Celebrate Newborn Screening Awareness Month

1

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.

2

Participate in a fundraiser

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

3

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.

4

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.

5

Volunteer your time

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

Why Newborn Screening Awareness Month is Important

A

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.

B

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.

C

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.

Newborn Screening Awareness Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Aug 31
Thursday
2024
Aug 31
Saturday
2025
Aug 31
Sunday
2026
Aug 31
Monday
2027
Aug 31
Tuesday