Blog

​SB 1887 Is Dead—for Now. But the Fight for mRNA Innovation and CCMV Prevention Continues

Author: National CMV Foundation Board of Directors A proposed Bill in the Texas Senate would have banned mRNA vaccines - including the CMV vaccine in development. While this dangerous bill has been stopped—for now—similar proposals may return in Texas or appear in other states. We must remain vigilant.

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. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Kathleen Smith

Meet Kathleen Smith! She was born with cCMV and is our CMV Community Alliance (CCA) Co-Chair for Minnesota.

Volunteer Spotlight: Megan Becker

Meet Megan Becker, our CMV Community Alliance (CCA) Co-Chair for Virginia!

Volunteer Spotlight: Gavin Murray

Meet our CMV Community Alliance Chair for Utah, Gavin Murray. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Haley Childs

Meet Haley Childs, CMV Community Alliance Co-Chair for Michigan. 

Volunteer Spotlight: Kara Russell

Meet Kara Russell, our CMV Community Alliance Co-Chair for New York.

Volunteer Spotlight: Patty Cutshall-Bailey

Meet our Community Alliance Chair from Montana, Patty Cutshall-Bailey. Patty is an Empowering Caregiver Coach offering personalized one-on-one coaching to help caregivers find joy and balance in their hectic lives.  She earned her Bachelor of Science in Management and HR Management in 2004, and a master’s degree in management with a concentration in Organizational Psychology and Development in 2007. Currently, she resides in Montana with her husband and four dogs and enjoys traveling to see her children and grandchildren. Aside from writing books and coaching, she enjoys running, camping, hiking, and reading.

Reflecting on Two Years of Progress: A Farewell Message from the Immediate Past President of the National CMV Foundation

Author: Dr. Megan Pesch National CMV Foundation immediate past president, Dr. Megan Pesch, reflects on the last two years of progress at the Foundation.