August 2020

A Step Backward: HRSA’s Elimination of the ACHDNC Threatens Progress on Newborn Screening

Author: NCMVF Board of Directors The National CMV Foundation is deeply concerned by HRSA’s recent decision to dissolve the Advisory Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns and Children (ACHDNC)—a cornerstone of equitable, evidence-based newborn screening for over 20 years. Without this federal oversight, there's now no national process to evaluate and recommend new conditions—including congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV), the most common infectious cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the U.S.

Together We Stand, United We March On

We are so proud of what we've collectively built over the years, and we want to continue to strengthen and expand this work. As the African Proverb states, "If you want to go quickly, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."

Volunteer Spotlight: Lisa Eickel

Meet Lisa Eickel, our Community Alliance Chair from Virginia! Lisa is a busy mom to three boys and a speech language pathologist. 

Early Career Research Award Recipient: Dr. Pesch

Dr. Megan Pesch is a Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician at the University of Michigan and one of our 2020 early career CMV research award recipients! Dr. Pesch's research will investigate social-emotional and behavioral concerns in children with congenital CMV.

Early Career Research Award Recipient: Dr. Kakkar

Dr. Fatima Kakkar is a pediatric infectious disease specialist and clinician-researcher at CHU Sainte-Justine in Montreal and her research will focus on determining the best newborn screening test for the province of Quebec. She is one of our 2020 early career CMV research award recipients! 

Early Career Research Award Recipient: Jennifer Jenks

Jennifer Jenks is an MD PhD student in the Medical Scientist Training Program at Duke University School of Medicine and is one of our 2020 early career CMV research award recipients! Jennifer's research investigates the rational design of CMV vaccines.