Every year over four million US newborns are screened for genetic and metabolic conditions and hearing loss as part of a process called “newborn screening.” For babies who test positive for one of these conditions, rapid identification and treatment makes the difference between health and disability—or even life and death. Before you leave the hospital, make sure that your baby has received his or her newborn screening test. Ask your doctor for the test results at your baby’s first appointment. ~ APHL

In 2013 I produced this video for APHL to celebrate 50 years of newborn screening in the United States. I was thankful to learn more about this public health program that saved my life.