CDC Awards Funds to Improve Monitoring of Birth Defects

CDC Press Release

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

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.

Contact: CDC, Media Relations
(404) 639-3286