August 2024

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.

Advocating for Newborn CMV Screening through Hospital-Based Initiatives

Author: Maggie Kettler, AuD CMV newborn screening has increased tremendously in the past decade, with many states implementing the screening through legislative efforts. However, CMV screening legislation is not a realistic avenue in all states. In this blog post, we hear from Maggie Kettler, AuD, who has helped to lead successful efforts to increase CMV newborn screening in her home state of Ohio. In this post she discusses successes, challenges, and advice she has for advocates in other states.