4 things to do during National Birth Defects Prevention Month

Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect.  Period.

Part of Conquering CHD means working to ensure they don’t happen in the first place.

Let’s support the CDC and the National Birth Defect Prevention Network’s efforts to prevent birth defects.

Here’s what you can do!

1) National Birth Defects Prevention Month Tweet-Up– #1in33

Promote National Birth Defects Prevention Month all month long on Twitter!  Follow NCBDDD director, Dr. Coleen Boyle (@DrBoyleCDC), who will share a fact each day during January to raise awareness about birth defects. Each daily fact will be marked by the hashtag: #1in33 (a reference to the prevalence of birth defects). Re-tweet the facts and add your own, using the hashtag #1in33.

2) Social Media Buttons

Post one of these buttons on your Web site, blog, or social networking site (e.g., Facebook page) to increase awareness of birth defects.

3) Family Stories & Photos (Flickr)

View stories and photos of families affected by birth defects in CDC’s Flickr album. There several CHD stories!!

4) National Birth Defects Prevention Network Educational & Promotional Materials

The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) has educational and promotional materials available via their website. In 2013, the NBDPN Parents Advisory Group created a special public service announcement to raise awareness about birth defects, which was launched from www.endbirthdefects.org.  The PSA is available for downloading.  Feel free to use these materials to promote birth defects awareness and prevention.