| Local Health Departments Birth Defects Prevention Month Spotlights |
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January 2008: National Birth Defects Prevention Month
Birth defects affect 1 in 33 babies and are a leading cause of infant mortality in the United States. More than 5,500 infants die each year because of birth defects-two times as many as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies who survive and live with birth defects are at increased risk for developing many lifelong physical, cognitive, and social challenges. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) works to prevent birth defects with known causes-including spina bifida and fetal alcohol syndrome, but because the causes of about 2/3 of birth defects are unknown, public health monitoring and research are also important priorities.
In recognition of Birth Defects Prevention Month, the January 11th edition of CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report features three articles highlighting recent findings from birth defects research and prevention efforts including:
· Changes in neural tube defect rates and in folic acid knowledge and consumption in Puerto Rico,
· New information on the use of folic acid among younger women, and
· Updated prevalence on major birth defects in metropolitan Atlanta.
Although we do not know the causes of most birth defects, the good news is that we know how to prevent some birth defects. CDC's National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities is working to find out how to prevent others. Scientists study data gathered from our birth defects monitoring systems to learn more. For more information on CDC's activities to help prevent birth defects, please see the Related Resources section of this e-newsletter.
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Archived E-MCH Web cast: Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities Prevention: State and Local Collaborative Efforts
This January 2007 Web cast, hosted by NACCHO, CityMatCH, and the National Birth Defects Prevention Network, illustrates how state and local health department collaborate to implement data-drive birth defects prevention efforts. An overview of collaborative efforts from two state and local partnerships is provided. To access the archive of this presentation, visit http://www.naccho.org/topics/hpdp/mch/emch/archived/06-07/january07.cfm |
 CDC National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities: Folic Acid Awareness Resources
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| Emerging Issues in Maternal and Child Health
(E-MCH) Series  NACCHO and CityMatCH present the fifth year of the Emerging Issues in Maternal and Child Health Series. These presentations highlight research, information, and collaborative efforts on a variety of MCH topics. Guest speakers from national, state, and local health departments discuss their experiences and share information on programs related to the featured topic.
Please join us on February 21, 2008 for a Web cast on Childhood Obesity and Chronic Disease.
CEUs NOW AVAILABLE
NACCHO and CityMatCH have been approved by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention to provide continuing education credits (CME, CNE, CECH, and CEU's) for the Emerging Issues in Maternal and Child Health Series beginning September 20, 2007 through September 19, 2009. The accreditation statements is located here: www.naccho.org/topics/hpdp/mch/emch.cfm |
| National Birth Defects Prevention Month
January 2008  The National Birth Defects Prevention Network's Education and Outreach Committee is pleased to present the 2008 Birth Defects Prevention Month Packet, focusing on "Preventing Infections during Pregnancy." The packet materials are available at http://www.nbdpn.org/current/resources/bdpm2008.html. These resources can be shared with colleagues, policy makers, families, and others during Birth Defects Prevention Month and throughout the year. Please contact please contact Mary Knapp at mary.knapp@doh.state.nj.us or Cara Mai at cwm7@cdc.gov if you have questions about the material.
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| National Birth Defects Prevention Network Annual Meeting
The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) will hold its 11th Annual Meeting at the L'Enfant Plaza Hotel in Washington, DC from February 11-13, 2008. Featured presentations will focus on:
- Defects of the Ventral Wall, from embryology (Dr. Sadler) to long-term outcomes
- Current and Future Research Agenda of the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
- Birth Defects and Public Policy: Making the Connection
- Reproduction and Infertility: Making Babies Isn't Always Easy
- A Parent's Perspective: Judy Woodruff, national news anchor and parent of a child with spina bifida
For more information and to register visit http://www.nbdpn.org/current/annualmeeting/index08_savethedate.html |
Excerpts from NACCHO Public Health Dispatch: MCH- Related Tools and Resources
 This monthly newsletter sent to all active NACCHO members contains brief updates, events, resources, job postings, funding opportunities, member highlights, and other information of relevance to LHDs. Regular sections include family health, reproductive health, environmental health, emergency preparedness, mental health, and immunizations among others. For a free download of past issues, visit http://www.naccho.org/pubs/category.cfm?Category_ID=8 | |
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NACCHO is the national organization representing local health departments. NACCHO works to support efforts that protect and improve the health of all people and all communities by promoting national policy, developing resources and programs, seeking health equity and supporting effective local public health practice and systems.
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