About Us

The Children's Health Act of 2000, passed by Congress and signed into law by former President Clinton, required the establishment of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) at CDC.  In April 2001, NCBDDD was officially established.  Currently, the center includes three divisions - the Division of Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, the Division of Human Development and Disability, and the Division of Blood Disorders.

Helping people live to the fullest
The mission of the CDC’s National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) is to promote the health of babies, children and adults and enhance the potential for full, productive living. To achieve its mission, our Center works to:

• Identify the causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities;
• Help children to develop and reach their full potential; and
• Promote health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities, including blood disorders.

We seek to accomplish these goals through research, partnerships, and prevention and education programs. 

 

 

Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Currently, about 120,000 babies are born with a birth defect each year.  More than 5,000 of these babies die in their first year of life – making birth defects the leading cause of infant death in the United States.  About 17% of U.S. children younger than 18 years of age have a developmental disability. 

CDC and its partners are working to change these figures.  With more information, the causes of these birth defects and developmental disabilities can be identified – and action can be taken to protect our children, and to develop new ways to help women have healthy babies.

Helping Children Reach Their Full Potential
Much of our work focuses on protecting people who are especially vulnerable to health risks – including children. The early years of life (birth to 5 years of age) are critical to a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development.  CDC works with partners to develop public health tools and interventions that give all children the opportunity to reach their full potential.

 

People with Disabilities
Anyone of any age can have a disability.  People with disabilities need health care and health programs for the same reasons anyone else does – to stay well, active, and a part of the community.  To be healthy, people with disabilities require health care that meets their needs as a whole person, not just as a person with a disability.

Our Center works to ensure that people of all different abilities are able to live their life to the fullest.  Our work focuses on promoting the health of people with disabilities, and preventing complications or other health conditions secondary to a person’s disability.

 

Protecting the Health of People with Blood Disorders
Blood disorders are complex conditions that can lead to chronic health problems.  We are dedicated to addressing the health issues posed by these disorders on several levels by: finding risk factors for health complications associated with having a blood disorder; enhancing the safety of blood products that are used to treat blood disorders; conducting education campaigns to raise awareness of blood disorders among the general public and health professionals; conducting laboratory studies to evaluate, improve, and standardize methods and procedures for classifying blood disorders; and working with partners to increase the effectiveness of treatments, reduce complications, and protect children and adults who have blood disorders.

 

From beginning to end, a better life for all
It might be the greatest wish all people have or themselves and their loved ones: a healthy, happy life.  Often, when one’s mind and body work perfectly, good health is taken for granted.  Yet millions of people live every day with some form of disability, facing limitations in daily life activities.  This includes infants and children with birth defects, genetic conditions, blood disorders, and developmental disabilities such as mental retardation, autism, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and vision problems.  These children might have challenges as they grow and learn about life, and often face more health problems as they grow older.

The number of people living with birth defects, developmental disabilities, or acquired disabilities is rising and expected to increase over the next decade.  With at least 54 million Americans currently experiencing a physical, cognitive, or sensory limitation, this is a serious health issue.