
Contributed report
With nearly 2,000 babies affected by birth defects each year in Minnesota, Gov. Tim Walz has proclaimed January as Birth Defects Awareness Month (PDF) in Minnesota. January is also National Birth Defects Awareness Month.
This year the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) is joining with the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) – a volunteer-based organization that addresses issues related to birth defects – to highlight the “Every Journey Matters” campaign. The campaign launched by the national group focuses on increasing awareness about living with a birth defect. Though birth defects are the leading cause of infant mortality in Minnesota, most children born with birth defects lead long lives and thrive.
“Everyone’s journey is unique, shaped by their specific condition, individual strengths and the support systems they have in place,” said MDH’s Children and Youth with Special Health Needs Section Manager Nicole Brown. “The key is we can all play a positive role as Minnesota residents, parents and communities to improve the health of children living with these conditions and widen the available network of support.”