SMA Webinar Series Number 8: Newborn Screening Update

This event was held Wednesday 18 August 2021.

Following the Federal recommendation to include Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) on the Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBS) program, we turned our focus to the Australian states and territories where NBS gains its funding. Each state has to allocate budget to pay for testing.

Some states are actively looking at funding NBS, whilst in other states it’s not even on their radar. Together, as a team, we need to campaign to highlight the need for inclusion of SMA in NBS in every state. A person’s postcode shouldn’t determine if they get screened at birth for SMA.

This event provided an update, the next steps in our advocacy and how YOU can get involved the become a NBS Ambassador for SMA in your state.