Newborn Screening Awareness Month

Newborn Screening Awareness Month is observed every September to help new and expecting parents understand the importance of early testing for newborns. Newborn screening can detect certain serious conditions before symptoms appear, giving babies a better chance of receiving timely care. The month encourages families, healthcare professionals, and communities to learn how screening works and why follow-up testing matters.

History of Newborn Screening Awareness Month

Newborn screening in the United States began in the 1960s with testing for phenylketonuria, often called PKU. This early blood test showed that detecting certain conditions soon after birth could help prevent severe disability or death when treatment began quickly.

Over time, newborn screening expanded to include more conditions and more types of testing. Today, screening commonly includes a dried blood spot test from a heel stick, a hearing screening, and a heart screening for critical congenital heart defects. The exact list of conditions screened can vary by state, but the purpose is the same: to identify babies who may need fast evaluation and care.

Newborn Screening Awareness Month is now observed each September to share information with parents, caregivers, healthcare workers, and the public. It reminds families that newborn screening is a routine but important part of early infant health care.

Interesting Facts About Newborn Screening Awareness Month

• Newborn screening usually begins with a few drops of blood collected from a baby’s heel during the first 24 to 48 hours after birth.
• Most newborn screening programs also include hearing screening and screening for critical congenital heart defects.
• Newborn screening began with testing for one condition, PKU, and has expanded greatly over time.
• Screening does not usually diagnose a condition by itself. A positive or abnormal result means more testing is needed.
• Newborn screening can help identify rare but serious conditions that may not be visible at birth.
• More than 12,000 babies in the United States are helped each year through newborn screening and follow-up care.

How to Take Part in Newborn Screening Awareness Month

Newborn Screening Awareness Month can be observed by learning what newborn screening includes in your state or country. Expecting parents can ask their healthcare provider when screening will happen, how results are reported, and what steps follow if a result is abnormal.

You can also share reliable information with other parents, attend educational events, support newborn screening programs, or encourage families to keep follow-up appointments. Fast follow-up is important because some screened conditions need treatment very early in life.

When Is Newborn Screening Awareness Month in 2026?

Newborn Screening Awareness Month is observed annually throughout September, beginning on September 1.

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