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Rhode Island

Pregnancy, birth and the first year in Rhode Island, in 14 topics: from who runs maternal and child health to what happens at your newborn's screening.

Newborn Screening

Rhode Island offers comprehensive newborn screening programs to ensure the early detection and treatment of various health conditions, providing infants with the best possible start in life.

Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program
All birthing hospitals in Rhode Island are mandated to screen every newborn for 33 blood conditions, including metabolic, hormonal, and genetic disorders. Learn More. A small blood sample is collected from the baby's heel shortly after birth and sent to the New England Newborn Screening Program for analysis. Early identification of these conditions allows for timely interventions that can prevent serious health issues and promote healthy development. Learn More

For more information about Rhode Island's Newborn Bloodspot Screening Program, please contact:

Emily Eisenstein, MPH
Newborn Screening Program Manager
Rhode Island Department of Health
3 Capitol Hill, Room 302
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-5927
Fax: 401-222-5688
Email: Emily.Eisenstein@health.ri.gov

Newborn Hearing Screening Program
Rhode Island has been a pioneer in universal newborn hearing screening. The Rhode Island Hearing Assessment Program (RIHAP), established in 1993, ensures that all newborns are screened for hearing loss before hospital discharge. Early detection of hearing impairments enables prompt interventions, which are crucial for language development and communication skills.

For more information about Rhode Island's Newborn Hearing Screening Program, please contact:

Liza Then
Newborn Hearing Screening Program Manager
EHDI Coordinator
Rhode Island Department of Health
3 Capitol Hill, Room 302
Providence, RI 02908
Phone: 401-222-6146
Fax: 401-222-1442
Email: Liza.Then@health.ri.gov Learn More

Additional Resources
Rhode Island Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) Program: Provides comprehensive services to support families of infants and toddlers with hearing loss, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions.

By participating in these newborn screening programs, Rhode Island families can ensure early detection and management of potential health issues, fostering optimal growth and development for their children.

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