NBDPN

World Down Syndrome Day, is a global awareness day officially observed by the United Nations. It is celebrated on the 21st day of the 3rd month of the year and was selected to signify the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome, which causes Down syndrome.

March marks Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month (DDAM), a time to recognize and reflect on the experiences of people with developmental disabilities and their family caregivers.

Rare Disease Day is a globally coordinated movement dedicated to rare diseases, striving for equity in social opportunities, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease. Many congenital birth defects fall in this category.

William Augustus Hinton (1883-1959) was the first Black professor at Harvard. He developed a test for syphilis that was incredibly accurate and significantly less painful than prior tests, and was adopted for use by the U.S. Public Health Service.

Understanding risk factors for heart disease and how your individual health impacts that risk for you and your baby. nhlbi.nih.gov/health/heart-h… #OurHearts #AmericanHeartMonth #nbdpn

Most Prenatal infections are preventable. Receive immunizations against viruses that cause the flu, chickenpox, measles, rubella, pertussis and COVID-19. Talk to your provider about getting vaccinated. Learn more at: cdc.gov/pregnancy/infe…

Robert F. Boyd (1858-1912) was a co-founder and the first president of the National Medical Association, the nation’s oldest and largest organization representing Black physicians and health care professionals. #MedicalHistory #BlackHealthProfessionals #MedicalLegacy

Most Prenatal infections are preventable. Receive early prenatal care and prenatal screening— including for sexually transmitted infections. Learn more at: cdc.gov/pregnancy/infe…

“I thought that women were nurses. When I learned that women were doctors, I said ‘Ah, that’s what I want to be.’” In 1918, Ruth Janetta Temple (1892-1984) opened a clinic for marginalized patients, which became a model for community-based clinics across the country.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common infectious cause of birth defects. NBDPN is starting a new CMV Awareness workgroup and want YOU to join! The first meeting will take place this month on February 12th. Email nbdpn@nbdpn.org to find out more about it!

Did you know that February is International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month? Prenatal infections are illnesses that can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or birth. Most Prenatal infections are preventable. Learn more at: cdc.gov/pregnancy/infe…

We celebrate Black History Month. Mary Eliza Mahoney (1845-1926) was the first Black woman to work as a professionally trained nurse in the U.S. She co-founded the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses in 1908, which worked to uplift the everyday lives of Black nurses.

We join @american_heart to celebrate February as Heart Month - a time to focus on the importance of cardiovascular health in our nation. Cardiovascular disease is still the #1 cause of death in America, and congenital heart defects are one of the leading causes of infant death.

This Valentine's Day, NBDPN honors all individuals and families living with Congenital Heart Defects. Our mission is to assess the impact of birth defects on these families and to help advance science through its application to public health efforts and resource allocation.

Congenital Heart Defects are more common than you think. It's time to shine a light on CHD Awareness! DYK that every state has Critical Congenital Heart Disease screenings performed on newborns, typically at 24–48 hours of age to help catch early diagnosis of heart conditions.

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week 2026 runs from February 7–14, focusing on educating the public about the most common birth defect, which affects approximately 1 in 100 babies. This is also a time to promote healthy pregnancy behaviors that can reduce the risk of CHDs.

Children with heart defects need congenital cardiac care now and as they grow up. Talk to them — and their parents and caregivers — about congenital cardiac care. #CongenitalHeartDefect #PediatricCardiology #HeartHealth #PediatricHeartCare #HeartHealthMatters

The zebra is the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) symbol because the symptoms are often unexpected and challenging to diagnose. January 31st is the International Day of the Zebra, and NBDPN celebrates the EDS dazzle: individuals living with EDS and hypermobility spectrum disorders 🦓

This January and throughout the year, join NBDPN to raise awareness about birth defects. Let's help improve the health of people living with these conditions and widen the available network of support. Download the toolkit: ow.ly/jmMm50Ukwjh

Adolescents and young adults living with birth defects may face unique challenges as they grow older. Navigating the shift from pediatric to adult health care may feel challenging, but early planning and support can empower teens. #EveryJourneyMatters