February 2008 - Staff Honored with Newborn Screening Award
The March of Dimes presented the State Health Commissioner, Karen Remley, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.A.P., with its 2007 Award for National Leadership in Newborn Screening. Afterwards, Dr. Remley commended Nancy Ford, Sharon Williams, and Joanne Boise for their dedication and performance in managing VDH's newborn screening program. “The fact that our newborn screening rates are virtually 100 percent is due to their personal and professional commitment to this important public health issue, explained Dr. Remley.
February 2008 - VDH Awarded CDC Continuation Grant to Improve Birth Defects Surveillance
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved funding for the fourth year of a five-year cooperative agreement to the Virginia Congenital Anomaly Tracking and Prevention Improvement Project (Virginia CATPIP II)
VDH received $189,550 for the fourth year, which begins March 1, 2008.
For more information on Virginia CATPIP II, visit http://www.vahealth.org/PSGS/catpip.htm
June 2007 - VDH Awarded CDC Continuation Grant to Enhance Virginia Early Detection and Intervention Tracking, Surveillance, and Integration.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved funding for the third and year of a three-year cooperative agreement to support the Virginia Child Health Information System Integration Project (Virginia CHISIP).
VDH received $150,000 for the third year, which begins July 1, 2007.For more information on Virginia CHISIP, visit http://www.vahealth.org/PSGS/vchisip.htm
March 2007 - Virginia Genetics Program Sends Annual Summary of Birth Defects Reports to Hospitals
The Virginia Genetics Program has developed hospital-specific reports that summarize the results of a hospital's reporting to the Virginia Congenital Anomalies Reporting and Education System (VaCARES) and sent the reports to all reporting hospitals. Each report included a summary of the hospital's reporting to VaCARES in 2005 and 2006, a summary of the hospital's compliance with reporting requirements, a list of hospitals with excellent compliance for 2006 (i.e., reporting time less than 31 days and an actual number of cases that is at least 75% of the expected cases), and a list of the most improved hospitals in 2006. A brief comparison chart of all hospitals reporting results for 2005 and 2006 and a certificate of appreciation was enclosed with each report.
VaCARES is Virginia's birth defects registry. Every hospital, as mandated by the Code of Virginia § 32.1-69.1, reports to VDH any child under the age of 2 years who is diagnosed with a birth defect. Eighty-six different categories of structural, functional, or biochemical anomalies are required to be reported. Data are sent to VDH via the Virginia Infant Screening and Infant Tracking System (VISITS), an online integrated database. In addition, data obtain from Virginia Newborn Screening Services are entered into the VaCARES database along with data from birth and death certificates filed with the State Registrar of Vital Records. VaCARES is managed by the VDH Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Pediatric Screening and Genetic Services.
February 2007 - VDH Awarded CDC Continuation Grant to Improve Birth Defects Surveillance
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved funding for the third year of a five-year cooperative agreement to the Virginia Congenital Anomaly Tracking and Prevention Improvement Project (Virginia CATPIP II)
VDH received $190,000 for the third year, which begins March 1, 2007.
For more information on Virginia CATPIP II, visit http://www.vahealth.org/PSGS/catpip.htm
November 2006 - Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program Establishes Family Guide Program.
The Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program has collaborated with partners in a workgroup to design and implement the Virginia Guide-By-Your-Side (GBYS) program. The program is designed to meet the needs of parents of newly-diagnosed children with hearing loss. These parents will be matched with other parents who have been through the same experience, obtain more information about their options, and learn about agencies and resources that can help.
Virginia GBYS was designed based on parental reports about they would find helpful upon receiving diagnosis of their child’s hearing loss. GBYS is one of the services offered by Hands & Voices, a national, non-profit, parent-driven organization dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing. The GBYS model was chosen because of its strong parent focus, proven track record in other states, and the training and technical assistance available. Individuals selected to serve as “Family Guides” are provided training and must pass a background check. The first group of guides recently received training, along with the VDH EHDI Follow-Up Coordinator who will serve as a trainer for the next group of guides recruited.
Partners involved in the development of Virginia GBYS include members of the EHDI Program Advisory Committee, parents, and partner agency representatives (Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services/Part C). The Virginia GBYS program is managed via a contract between VDH and the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University. Funding for this program comes from a three-year federal Health Resources and Services Administration EHDI grant awarded to VDH last year.
October 2006 – Virginia Hearing Detection and Intervention Program Distributes 2005 Annual Report
The Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program has produced and distributed its Annual Report for 2005. This report highlights progress toward the program goals of performing newborn hearing screening prior to discharge or before one month of age, conducting follow-up testing before three months of age, and completing enrollment in intervention services before six months of age for those children identified with hearing loss.
For 2005 births, 98.4 percent of infants were screened prior to one month of age; 62.3 percent of infants who failed the hearing screening had a hearing loss either confirmed or ruled out before three months of age; and, 82.7 percent of infants with a confirmed hearing loss received early intervention services prior to six months of age. The median age at diagnosis for births in 2005 was 3.8 months.
The summary of program accomplishments includes recognition of eight hospitals that met all the reporting requirements for infants born in 2005 and one hospital judged most improved in their reporting to VDH. In addition, certificates of appreciation were sent to the three military hospitals for their participation in newborn hearing screening and reporting.
September 2006 - Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program Awarded Year-Two of grant to Continue Improvements in Tracking and Follow Up.
The Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program has been awarded the second year of the three-year grant from the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. Grant funds help states achieve full implementation of sustainable statewide, population-based newborn hearing screening and intervention programs. Emphasis for this funding cycle (September 1, 2006 through August 31, 2007) is on assuring that all infants who do not pass the newborn hearing screening receive timely and appropriate follow-up services and that there are quality developmental outcomes for those infants and young children identified with hearing loss.
June 2006 - VDH Awarded CDC Continuation Grant to Enhance Virginia Early Detection and Intervention Tracking, Surveillance, and Integration.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved funding for the second year of a three-year cooperative agreement to support the Virginia Child Health Information System Integration Project (Virginia CHISIP).
VDH received $150,000 for the second year, which begins July 1, 2006.
For more information on Virginia CHISIP, visit http://www.vahealth.org/PSGS/vchisip.htm
March 1, 2006 – Expansion of Newborn Screening in Virginia
As the result of legislation passed by the 2005 General Assembly, the Virginia Department of Health expanded its Newborn Screening Services to include tests for 17 additional inherited disorders. VDH already screens for 11 genetic disorder, such as sickle cell, phenylketonuria (PKU), and hypothyroidism. Among the new tests are those for cystic fibrosis and isovaleric acidemia.
Beginning March 1, 2006, all newborns in Virginia are screened for 28 disorders identified through dried-blood-spot screening within a few days of birth, unless the parent or guardian objects on religious grounds. A few drops of blood are taken from the baby’s heels and placed on special blotter paper, which is sent to the state’s Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services for testing. VDH Virginia Newborn Screening Nurses coordinate necessary follow-up measures, such as notifying health care providers if an infant requires retesting. Follow-up activities continue until the child has a normal screen, is diagnosed, or reaches 6 months of age, when the age-specific newborn screening methods cannot longer be considered reliable.
Test results are provided to the child’s doctor, clinic, or hospital. Generally, parents are told of the results only if there is the possibility of a problem. Parents are encouraged to ask their baby’s doctor about test results.
For more information on newborn screening tests, visit http://www.vahealth.org/genetics.
February 22, 2006 - VDH Awarded CDC Grant to Improve Birth Defects Surveillance
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved funding for the second year of a five-year cooperative agreement to the Virginia Congenital Anomaly Tracking and Prevention Improvement Project (Virginia CATPIP II)
VDH received $180,000 for the second year, which begins March 1, 2006.
For more information on Virginia CATPIP II, visit http://www.vahealth.org/PSGS/catpip.htm
November 5, 2005 - Pediatricians' Award for Work in Early Detection of Hearing Loss
Pat T. Dewey, M.Ed., Program Manager for the Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program received the 2005 Child Advocate Award from the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
The award recognizes persons who, in the course of more than a year, have significantly contributed to the advancement of child health and welfare in Virginia. The Academy acknowledged six specific accomplishments and Dewey's "exemplary service to families and newborn infants."
Previous award recipients include nine General Assembly members and Governor Mark Warner.
September 2005 - Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program Receives Grant Award
The Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Program in the Division of Child and Adolescent Health has received a three-year grant of $125,000 per year to help assure that all newborns are screened prior to hospital discharge and are tracked to assure quality developmental outcomes for those infants identified with hearing loss. The emphasis for this funding cycle (September 1, 2005 through August 31, 2007) is on assuring that all infants who do not pass the newborn hearing screening receive timely and appropriate follow-up services.
The grant is from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Currently, 97 percent of infants born in Virginia are screened for hearing loss before they leave the hospital.
For more information about Virginia EHDI Program, visit http://www.vahealth.org/hearing.
July 2005 - VDH Awarded CDC Grant to Enhance Virginia Early Detection and Intervention Tracking, Surveillance, and Integration
VDH was awarded a three-year CDC Cooperative Agreement for “Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EDHI) Tracking, Surveillance, and Integration.” Funds will be used to support the Virginia Child Health Information System Integration Project (VaCHISIP). The purpose of the project is (1) enhance the Virginia EHDI Program’s capability for accurately ascertaining the disposition of every occurent birth for each step throughout the EHDI process and (2) expand the integration of the program’s tracking and surveillance system with other child health programs that identify children with special health care needs.
The goals of VaCHISIP are:
1. Produce and implement a redesigned Virginia Infant Screening and Infant Tracking System (VISITS II).
2. Use VISITS II data to guide and support child and adolescent health clinical and programmatic decisions.
3. Integrate/link VISITS II with other child health information systems.
VDH received $150,000 for the first year, which begins July 1, 2005.
For more information on Virginia CHISIP, visit http://www.vahealth.org/PSGS/vchisip.htm
June 2005 – Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program Announces Establishment of the Virginia Hearing Aid Load Bank.
The Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (VEHDI) Program recently established the Virginia Hearing Aid Loan Bank (VHALB) using funds from a four-year federal Maternal and Child Health grant. Select digital/programmable hearing aids and FM systems are now available for loan to children with hearing loss who are under the age of three. The loan period is six months; an application may be submitted to extend the loan for an additional six-month period. All children under the age of three with hearing loss are eligible, regardless of income status. This bank will enable a child to be fitted with amplification within weeks of diagnosis, thereby increasing the benefits of early identification while allowing the family time to pursue funding for permanent devices through insurance or other means.
For more information about Virginia EHDI Program Hearing Aid Loan Bank, visit http://www.vahealth.org/hearing/news.htm.
April 2005 – Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (VEHDI) Program Completes Training for Early Intervention Providers
The VEHDI Program recently completed a training initiative to increase the capacity of providers of early intervention services to deliver appropriate services to infants and young children who have hearing loss and their families. The contractor for this initiative is the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University.
Participants were trained on the SKI HI program, a home-based early intervention model developed by the SKI HI Institute, a unit within the Department of Communicative Disorders and Deaf Education at Utah State University. The training included information and activities for families in early communication, audition, hearing aids, American Sign Language resources, aural-oral language, total communication, cochlear implants, and psycho-emotional support. The two trainers were provided by the SKI HI Institute.
The six-day training was conducted in two three-day sessions in January and March 2005. Participants completed study assignments for the month between sessions. Eighteen professionals, representing seventeen of the forty Local Interagency Coordinating Councils within the Virginia Part C Early Intervention System, participated. Ongoing training for early intervention providers and early educators is an ongoing collaboration among the Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, and the VEHDI Program.
For more information about Virginia EHDI Program, visit http://www.vahealth.org/hearing.
February 2005 – VDH Awarded CDC Grant to Improve Birth Defects Surveillance
The U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved funding for the first year of a five-year cooperative agreement to support the enhancement of its birth defects surveillance program, Virginia Congenital Anomalies Reporting and Education System (VaCARES), and utilization of VaCARES data to prevent birth defects and improve access to healthcare services. Funds will be used to continue the Virginia Congenital Anomalies Tracking and Improvement Project (VaCATPIP II).
The goals of VaCATPIP II are:
1. Further enhancement, expansion, and evaluation of VaCARES.
2. Development, implementation, expansion, and evaluation of population-based programs to prevent birth defects.
3. Development, implementation, expansion, and evaluation of activities to improve the access of children with birth defects to health and early intervention services.
VDH received $180,000 for the first year, which begins March 1, 2005.
For more information on Virginia CATPIP II, visit http://www.vahealth.org/PSGS/catpip.htm
November 18, 2004 - Using Advances in Genetics to Prevent Disease is Topic of VDH Conference
On November 18, Pediatric Screening and Genetic Services convened a statewide conference entitled “Genetic Horizons: Integrating Genetics Into Public Health.” The purpose of the conference was to provide an opportunity for public health professionals, healthcare providers, early interventionists and other stakeholders to learn about using genetic advances to prevent disease and improve health.
David Suttle, M.D., director of the Office of Family Health Services, provided welcoming remarks. Godfrey Oakley, M.D., M.S.P., visiting professor of epidemiology at the Rollins Schools of Public Health of Emory University, presented the keynote address: Total Prevention of Folic-Acid Preventable Spinal Bifida—When Will it Happen in Virginia?
Other topics included Virginia Birth Defects Surveillance, Genetic Headlines, Genetics and Public Health: A National Perspective of Program Intervention, Family Experiences, Genetics of Common Disease, and Ethical Issues.
Major funding was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Cooperative Agreement – Grant # US50/CCU321127-03. Additional support was provided by the Partnership for People with Disabilities and Together We Can: Virginia’s Deaf-Blind Project
July 12, 2004- Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (VEHDI) Program Completes Video Resource Guide for Parents of Children with Hearing Loss.
The VEHDI Program has completed a videotape version of the resource guide entitled Information for Parents of Children With Hearing Loss, Virginia's Resource Guide for Parents.
The video was designed to be used by parents who are themselves deaf or hard of hearing and is presented in American Sign Language, open captions, and spoken English. In addition, it can be used as a first-line orientation for all parents of children with hearing loss.
The primary purpose of the resource guide and video is to provide parents with basic and unbiased information regarding:
- Hearing loss, its effects and implications
- Communication options
- Amplification
- State agency programs and services
- Local, state and national resources
Copies of the video have been disseminated to Virginia licensed audiologists who provide audiological assessment services to infants and young children. Copies are available from the VEHDI Program office. Call 804-864-7717 or email pat.dewey@vdh.virginia.gov.
For more information about Virginia EHDI Program, visit http://www.vahealth.org/hearing.
June 30, 2004- Virginia is Included in National Report Care on Testing for March of Dimes Recommended Screening Conditions.
The March of Dimes state-by-state report card, which was released today, lists Virginia as 1 of 21 states that screen for the March of Dimes- recommended list of inborn errors of body chemistry.
The report recommends testing for the following newborn conditions: phenylketonuria (PKU); congenital hypothyroidism; congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH); biotinidase deficiency; maple syrup urine disease; galactosemia; homocystinuria; sickle cell anemia; and medium-chain acyclCoA degydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency.
The March of Dimes and the American Academy of Pediatrics also advise a test for hearing deficiency for all newborns. The March of Dimes report indicates that 99.7 percent of all newborns in Virginia are screened for hearing deficiency.
The State Report Card on Testing for March of Dimes Recommended Screening Conditions is available online from the following web site: http://www.marchofdimes.com/files/NBS_rc_062404.pdf.
For more information about Virginia Newborn Screening Services, visit http://www.vahealth.org/genetics.
March 1, 2004 - PSGS Develops Interactive Web Site on Birth Defect Surveillance Data.
Using funds provided by its CDC birth defects surveillance grant (VaCATPIP I, PSGS developed an interactive Web site on Virginia Congenital Anomalies Reporting and Education System: Birth Defect Surveillance Data 1989-1998.
The interactive Web site is at https://vdhems.vdh.virginia.gov/pls/vacares/vacares.main
February 2004 - VDH Awarded CDC Continuation Grant to Improve Birth Defects Surveillance.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved funding for the second year of a three-year cooperative agreement to support the Virginia Congenital Anomaly Tracking and Prevention Improvement Project (Virginia CATPIP I)
VDH received $150,000 for the third year, which begins March 1, 2004.
For more information on Virginia CATPIP I, visit http://www.vahealth.org/PSGS/catpip.htm
February 2004 - PSGS Parent Information Poster Featured in Statewide Magazine
A parent information poster, developed by the Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program, was featured in the Winter 2004 issue of Parent, a new statewide magazine published in Virginia for parents. The poster emphasizes the importance of knowing the results of baby's newborn hearing screening and encourages parents to discuss the results with their child's primary medical care provider. The poster, produced in English and Spanish, has been disseminated to local health departments and pediatric practices and is included in the Virginia New Parent Tool Kit.
February 2003 - VDH Awarded CDC Continuation Grant to Improve Birth Defects Surveillance.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved funding for the second year of a three-year cooperative agreement to support the Virginia Congenital Anomaly Tracking and Prevention Improvement Project (Virginia CATPIP I)
VDH received $150,000 for the second year, which begins March 1, 2003.
For more information on Virginia CATPIP I, visit http://www.vahealth.org/PSGS/catpip.htm
March 12, 2002 - PSGS Celebrates Transition Completion
Pediatric Screening and Genetic Services unit celebrated completion of multiple programs, services, and projects transitioning into one unit.
March 2002 - Virginia Genetics Program Joins PSGS
Virginia Congenital Anomalies Reporting and Education System (VaCARES) and Virginia Newborn Screening Services transitioned from Division of Women's and Infants' Health into Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Pediatric Screening and Genetic Services.
February 2002 - VDH Receives CDC Grant Award
VDH was awarded a three-year U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cooperative Agreement for the Development and Improvement of Population-Based Birth Defects Surveillance Programs and the Integration of Surveillance Data with Public Health Programs. Funds were used to establish the Virginia Congenital Anomaly Tracking and Prevention Improvement Project (Virginia CATPIP I).
The objectives of VaCATPIP are:
VDH received $150,000 for the first year, which begins March 1, 2002.
For more information on Virginia CATPIP II, visit http://www.vahealth.org/PSGS/catpip.htm
November 2001 - Hearing Program Joins PSGS
Virginia Newborn Hearing Screening Program transitioned from Children with Special Health Care Needs, Division of Child and Adolescent Health, into Pediatric Screening and Genetic Services, a newly created unit with the same division.
August 2001 - DCAH Established PSGS Unit
Director, Pediatric Screening and Genetic Services position established within the Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Virginia Department of Health
Pediatric Screening and Genetics Services
Contact: Nancy Ford
109 Governor Street,
8th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804) 864-7691
Fax: (804) 864-7721
