(Arlington, VA, Monday, December 28, 2020) In legislation signed today, The Department of Labor, Health, and Human Services (Labor HHS) included an additional $1,000,000 for the National Spina Bifida Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This increase brings the total budget to $7 million—the first increase the Program has received in seven years.

“Additional funding will make a difference in the lives of the 166,000 individuals living with Spina Bifida, providing clinicians guidance on the best treatment options,” notes Sara Struwe, President and CEO of the Spina Bifida Association. “We are also deeply grateful to the work of the tireless advocates in the Spina Bifida community whose work helped make this increase happen.”

The increase will be effective in the Fiscal Year 2021 budget, between now and the end of September.  The Labor HHS Committee encourages the CDC to continue to disseminate information to clinicians, parents, and families living with Spina Bifida.

About the Spina Bifida Association: The mission of the Spina Bifida Association is to build a better and brighter future for all those impacted by Spina Bifida. We work to make a practical, positive difference every day, improving care so individuals can enjoy life to the fullest. The Spina Bifida Association (SBA) provides information, resources, assistance, advocacy, and connections to help all those affected by Spina Bifida.

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