Newborn screening is one of the country’s most successful preventive health programs. Each year, one in 300 newborns are diagnosed with a health condition detected through early screening. Screening and early detection allows for prompt treatment, improving health outcomes for infants with one of the 64 conditions screened for in Pennsylvania.

To raise awareness and celebrate over 60 years of newborn screening in the United States, I plan to introduce a resolution designating the month of September 2026 as “Newborn Screening Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. 
 
Newborn screening enables parents of a child with a rare condition to receive information and support as soon as possible. With timely intervention, health conditions identified at birth may be easier to treat. Otherwise, undetected serious health issues risk lifelong impacts for children and their families.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important resolution to recognize the continued success of newborn screening and the vital role it plays in promoting public health throughout our state.