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HRSA Selects APHL to Convene National Newborn Screening Stakeholder Workgroup

Aug 11, 2026
Bethesda, MD
  • APHL
  • Newborn Screening and Genetics
  • Heritable Disorders
  • Policies and Regulations
Bethesda, MD, August 11, 2026 — The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) is pleased to receive an award from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to convene a national newborn screening stakeholder workgroup.  The workgroup will develop findings, reports and recommendations to HRSA for review and consideration to continue to advance the national newborn screening system.

“We’re excited to partner with HRSA and the amazing newborn screening community to continue to foster collaboration, advance science and save lives,” said Scott J. Becker, chief executive officer of APHL. “Screening newborns for harmful or potentially fatal conditions is essential work. We look forward to bringing expert voices from the community together to help guide the future direction of our newborn screening system and strengthen our nation’s public health infrastructure.”

The national newborn screening stakeholder workgroup’s findings and recommendations will be informed by independent evidence-based reviews. An updated process will help create a more efficient system that is responsive to scientific advances.

APHL, which is home of the National Center for Newborn Screening System Excellence (NBS Excel), will soon announce a call for member nominations for the workgroup. Membership will include individuals from affected families, those with lived experience and relevant experts in the field, including the nation’s public health laboratories, which screen nearly 4 million infants born in the US every year.

More about this initiative will be shared soon and during the 2026 APHL Newborn Screening Symposium, October 11–15, 2026, in New Orleans, LA. 

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About Newborn Screening and Public Health Laboratories

Newborn screening—recognized as the largest and most successful disease prevention system in the US—is the practice of testing every newborn for certain harmful or potentially fatal conditions that are not otherwise apparent at birth. Many of the disorders screened for are considered time-critical so early detection is crucial to prevent death or a lifetime of severe health problems. Public health laboratories screen nearly 4 million newborns born in the US each year, follow up on actionable results and refer infants to clinical care for diagnosis and treatment as necessary. They play a vital role in ensuring that every newborn’s health is protected with timely, accurate screening. Learn more at https://aphl.org/NBS.

About APHL

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the US and globally. APHL’s member laboratories protect the public’s health by monitoring and detecting infectious and foodborne diseases, environmental contaminants, terrorist agents, genetic disorders in newborns and other diverse health threats. Learn more at www.aphl.org .

Questions? Contact: Michelle Forman, manager, Media, [email protected]