The State Hygienic Laboratory and the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital are teaming to celebrate “50 Years of Saving Babies” at the Iowa State Fair on Aug. 14 as part of the University of Iowa booth.

Visitors to the booth in the Varied Industries Building on the Iowa State Fairgrounds can play with the interactive display to learn about the Iowa Newborn Screening Program.

This year marks the nation’s 50th anniversary of newborn screening, which has saved more than 12,000 babies from the debilitating and often life-threatening effects of congenital metabolic disorders.

The Iowa Department of Public Health administers the Iowa Newborn Screening Program. From a few drops of blood collected by local healthcare providers shortly after a baby’s birth, the Hygienic Laboratory performs screening for more than 37,000 Iowa babies each year. UI Children’s Hospital works directly with physicians and families of babies who have a presumptive positive screening to confirm the diagnosis and determine a plan for treatment if necessary.

The University of Iowa booth will feature many interactive displays from different colleges and departments during the State Fair, which runs from Aug. 8 to 18.

Photo courtesy of John Kempf