About Us

The Friends of NCBDDD is a coalition of government and private sector participants who work together to enhance the mission and activities of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) in promoting child development; preventing birth defects and developmental disorders/disabilities; and enhancing the quality of life and preventing secondary conditions among people who are living with mental or physical disabilities, or a combination thereof.

The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was established in April 2001 as a result of the passage of the Children’s Health Bill of 2000 (H.R. 4365-P.L. 106-310).  You can learn more about the NCBDDD at http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/.

The NCBDDD promotes the health of babies, children, and adults; and enhance the potential for full, productive living.  The Center’s work includes identifying the causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities, helping children to develop and reach their full potential, and promoting health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities.

The Friends of the NCBDDD grew out of efforts by a broad based coalition to pass the Children’s Health Act which authorized the NCBDDD.  These organizations formed the basis for the Friends of NCBDDD which has set as its mission the support and enhancement of the NCBDDD.  The Friends of NCBDDD is dedicated to supporting the broad base of work of the NCBDDD and to disseminate information and educate constituencies about the work of the Center.  The Friends of NCBDDD provides information and serves as a resource to the Center about needs, gaps in knowledge, services, and policy options.

 Friends of NCBDDD Fact Sheet [141 KB, ]

Executive Committee 2012
Chair:
Roberta Carlin, MS, JD
American Association on Health and Disability

Vice Chair:
Joseph Canose, MLS
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation

Alan Brownstein
National Blood Clot Alliance

Adriane K. Griffen, MPH, MCHES
Association of University Centers on Disabilities

Craig A. Mason, PhD
National Birth Defects Prevention Network

Emil Wigode
March of Dimes

Eileen M. Ouellette, M.D., J.D., FAAP
American Academy of Pediatrics

Judit Ungar, MSW
National Tourette Syndrome Association

Patricia Wright, PhD, MPH
Easter Seals, Inc.

Advocacy Chair:
E. Clarke Ross, DPA
Policy in Context Consulting

Immediate Past Chair:
Russell Kirby , PhD
National Birth Defects Prevention Network

EPG Fiscal Agent Contact:
George Jesien, PhD
Association of University Center on Disabilities