Genetic Alliance will collaborate with Blenderbox to architect, design and develop BabysFirstTest.org, a streamlined, customizable, online newborn screening clearinghouse.
In 2008, the U.S. Congress passed theNewborn Screening Saves Lives Act to expand support, research, and education opportunities for newborn screening programs. As a result of this legislation, the Genetic Services Branch of the Maternal and Child Health Bureau, HRSA, HHS awarded a cooperative agreement to Genetic Alliance and partners to establish the Newborn Screening Clearinghouse, which will connect parents and healthcare providers with resources and information relevant to the four million newborns screened annually.
Genetic Alliance created a beta version of the awarded a cooperative agreement Newborn Screening Clearinghouse, which lays the groundwork for BabysFirstTest.org, in 2010. Currently, the website provides links to partner websites and utilizes interactive features—including a blog and RSS feeds of newborn screening news and tweets—for discussion of key topics and activities in newborn screening.