About the Health Resources and Services Administration
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the Department of Health and Human Services works to meet its goal of moving toward 100 percent access to health care and zero percent health disparities for all Americans by supporting state programs and helping communities develop locally based interventions to improve the health of the community and decrease the cost of health care.  Within HRSA the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) seeks a nation where there is equal access for all to quality health care in a supportive, culturally competent, family-centered community-based setting.

The Division of Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs (DSCSHN), MCHB, supports partnerships between families with children and youth with special health care needs, adults with special health care needs, and health professionals and policy makers to improve the quality of life of children and their families as well as the quality of the health care delivery system. Today these families are also national spokespersons, heads of advisory councils, and employees of both public and private health care organizations.

The Genetics Services Branch, DSCSHN, supports newborn screening and increases professional and public knowledge of how genetic diseases affect health.  The Genetics Services Branch is grateful to the Consumer Workgroup for their expertise and collective wisdom.  Their thoughtful participation made this handbook possible.  GSB wishes to acknowledge Josie Thomas and Elizabeth Jeppson as facilitators for this process.