NEWBORN SCREENING

Empowering Families · Advancing Early Detection · Improving Outcomes

What Is Newborn Screening?

Newborn screening is one of the most successful public health programs in U.S. history—reaching nearly 4 million babies annually. It enables early identification of rare, serious conditions—often before symptoms appear—providing a lifesaving opportunity for early treatment and intervention.

Yet, awareness remains low:

  • Only 2 out of 3 Americans have heard of newborn screening
  • Just 1 in 3 can accurately define what it is

Newborn screening typically includes:

  • Blood test (heel prick)
  • Hearing screen
  • Heart screen

These screenings are performed within 24–48 hours after birth, usually before a baby leaves the hospital.

Our Mission: Raising Awareness Through Education and Advocacy

The E.WE Foundation’s Newborn Screening Awareness Initiative seeks to increase understanding of newborn screening among:

  • Parents and caregivers
  • Healthcare professionals
  • Policy leaders
  • The general public

We leverage:

  • Health literacy tools that explain screening in clear, family-friendly language
  • Educational modules for parents and professionals
  • Legislative advocacy to strengthen state policies and expand screening panels
  • RUSP (Recommended Uniform Screening Panel) education to align practice with national standards

Our goal is simple: More babies screened early = better outcomes for families facing rare diseases like Trisomy 18.

Learning Opportunities

We offer workshops and trainings designed to empower families and professionals with practical knowledge:

For Families & Caregivers
  • Understanding your baby’s newborn screening results
  • What to do if a screening identifies a rare or complex condition
  • Navigating follow-up care and medical referrals
For Healthcare Professionals
  • Best practices for communicating newborn screening results to families
  • Updates on RUSP and state-specific screening policies
  • Culturally competent care in rare disease and genetic counseling

September: Newborn Screening Awareness Month

Each September, we amplify our efforts to educate, collaborate, and advocate for:

  • Timely screenings
  • Early detection
  • Access to care and treatment

Because every newborn deserves a healthy start.

📢 Join Us All Month Long
Follow The E.WE Foundation throughout September as we share:

  • Family stories and lived experiences
  • Educational resources for parents and professionals
  • Advocacy updates and policy priorities
  • Ways to take action in your community

🔍 Learn More – Explore family-friendly resources on newborn screening
📑 Explore Our Policy Priorities – See how we’re advancing state and national change
📍 What’s on Your State’s Screening List? – Understand how screening varies across the U.S.