CDC awards funds to improve monitoring of birth defects

A total of $3.2 million is being awarded to 20 public health agencies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve birth defects surveillance. Each site will receive between $100,000 and $190,000.

The funding will enable public health programs to develop, implement, and/or expand community-based birth defects tracking systems and programs that work to prevent birth defects, and support activities to improve access to health services for children with birth defects.

“Birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality in the United States, accounting for more than 20 percent of all infant deaths,” said José Cordero, MD, MPH, Director of the CDC National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD). “Understanding the prevalence and changes in trends of birth defects will lead to a better understanding of possible changes, and will monitor the effectiveness of our prevention activities.”

NCBDDD strives to improve the health of children and adults by preventing the occurrence of birth defects and developmental disabilities, promoting optimal child development, and promoting the health and wellness among children and adults who have a disability. The center’s many responsibilities include conducting research to determine the causes and prevention of birth defects and developmental disabilities, maintaining and expanding support for state-based monitoring, and providing information and education directly to health care providers and public health professionals. NCBDDD also works closely with international organizations and entities developing strategies and programs for reducing the number of birth defects and developmental disabilities.

The following states will receive funding:

Alabama

University of South Alabama

$190,000

Alaska

Department of Health and Social Services

$190,000

Colorado

Department of Public Health and Environment

$190,000

District of Columbia

Department of Health

$100,000

Hawaii

Department of Health

$150,000

Indiana

Department of Health

$100,000

Kentucky

Cabinet for Health Services

$179,488

Maine

Department of Health

$114,094

Michigan

Department of Community Health

$190,000

Minnesota

Department of Health

$100,000

Missouri

Department of Health and Senior Services

$190,000

Montana

Department of Public Health and Human Services

$150,000

North Carolina

University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

$190,000

New Hampshire

Trustees of Dartmouth College

$190,000

New Mexico

Department of Health

$190,000

Oklahoma

State Department of Health

$107,516

South Carolina

Greenwood Genetic Center

$190,000

Utah

Department of Health

$190,000

Virginia

Department of Health

$150,000

West Virginia

Department of Health and Human Resources

$150,000

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.