Newborn Screening in all 50 States!!!

All Fifty States to Screen Newborns for Cystic Fibrosis by 2010 as of yesterday, July 7th!

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation announced today that all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, have passed legislation requiring that all newborns be screened for cystic fibrosis (CF) by the year 2010.

Newborn screening for CF was adopted nationwide at a rapid pace, following the aggressive advocacy efforts of the Foundation, its volunteers and many local and national interest groups. In 2005, only five states required that CF be included as a mandatory screening condition.

After years of debate, Texas and Connecticut — the last two states without mandatory newborn screening — will now establish programs. Connecticut will begin screening Oct. 1, 2009, and Texas is expected to start in December.

“Newborn screening is critically important for this disease because early diagnosis is tied to better health. Research shows that newborn screening for CF likely improves and extends the lives of those born with the disease. Early diagnosis allows affected infants to begin therapeutic interventions immediately. Early treatment has been shown to improve height, weight, nutrition, cognitive and lung functioning, and to reduce hospitalizations. We extend our thanks to every volunteer and advocate who fought to establish screening programs across the country.

Click here to read the full article/press release!! This is a HUGE accomplishment in the CF Community!