Throughout the month of September, Baby's First Test, a program of Expecting Health, will continue our annual tradition of sharing newborn screening facts, videos, and stories on our social media platforms as well as highlighting education and awareness efforts from communities and organizations across the nation.

Our #2020NBS toolkit has messaging guidance for this year’s theme Expect Newborn Screening to help you raise awareness about the test that every parent can expect with sample social media messages, shareable graphics, and tips on how to share your story.

When you share a post, picture, or story, use #2020NBS to be part of our larger awareness campaign and to join the national dialogue! Together, we can amplify family stories and raise awareness for newborn screening.

Download our #2020NBS Toolkit here. 

Share Your Story

Newborn Screening Awareness Month is a time to tell your story, to raise awareness, and to make a difference! Throughout the month, Baby’s First Test will be sharing stories and photos from families and individuals about their personal experiences with newborn screening.

Submit your newborn screening story on our Family Experiences page. 

Other ways to share your story:

• Use Facebook Live or Instagram Live to tell your story or share what your day-to-day looks like.
• Post a photo and share your story in the caption.
• Include #2020NBS in your all of your Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter posts.

Storytelling Tips: 

• Include the basics. Who, what, when, and why.
• Be authentic. Everyone’s experience may be different; tell your truth.
• Use images or video. Photography is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to tell a story.
• Choose one story to tell. Focus on your main goal for telling your story. People only remember a few things at once, so remove any unnecessary details.
• Keep it short and sweet. Aim for 250 words or less.
• Include a call-to-action. What’s the goal for telling your story? To raise awareness? To advocate? Make sure to end your story with a call-to-action.

Sample Social Media Posts 

Use these sample social media messages by copying it, sharing, and/or adding your own photo! 

• September is Newborn Screening Awareness Month! #Newbornscreening is important because it gave my child a healthy start #2020NBS

• My child is 1 of 12,500 newborn born each year who is given a 2nd chance because of #newbornscreening! #2020NBS

• Learn from other families, in their own words, what their #newbornscreening journey has been like: https://expectinghealth.info/3gTKjH6 #2020NBS

• I’m proud to be part of the #newbornscreening community because every family can expect newborn screening and every baby deserves a healthy start! #2020NBS

• I am proud to be part of the #newbornscreening community because I (insert reason, activity, or profession)! #2020NBS

• What’s your #newbornscreening story? Share yours today to make a difference and remind other families they are not alone! https://expectinghealth.info/3gTKjH6 #2020NBS

• September is Newborn Screening Awareness Month! To learn more about #newbornscreening and what to expect, visit BabysFirstTest.org. #2020NBS

• Did you know there are three parts to #newbornscreening? 1) the blood test (or heel stick) 2) the hearing screen 3) pulse oximetry. Learn more about what to expect from your baby’s first test: https://expectinghealth.info/3fRp6vU #2020NBS

• Looking for educational resources on #newbornscreening? Check out @BabysFirstTest’s resource center: https://expectinghealth.info/3izu9mD #2020NBS

• Each year, about 12,500 babies are born with one of the conditions included in state #newbornscreening panels: https://expectinghealth.info/3gOlkEP #2020NBS

• Did you know that not every state screens for the same #newbornscreening conditions. Find out what your state screens for: https://expectinghealth.info/3fI5ESg #2020NBS

• It’s been a hard year filled with uncertainty. But babies are born every day and #newbornscreening continues to happen! Learn more about the basics of newborn screening: http://expectinghealth.info/31HA41Z #2020NBS

• #Newbornscreening is an essential #publichealth service that screens babies for serious but treatable medical conditions. Learn more here: http://expectinghealth.info/31HA41Z #2020NBS

• As we navigate changing policies and new #COVID19 information, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness for #newbornscreening, a life-saving service that every family can expect! #2020NBS

• If you’re an expectant parent, you may be overwhelmed with information! With the added stress of the #COVID19 pandemic, there’s even more going on. Get started by learning about your baby’s first test: http://expectinghealth.info/31HA41Z #2020NBS

Raise Awareness on Facebook 

Add the #2020NBS Frame to your profile picture
1. Update your profile picture
2. Click add frame
3. Search for #2020NBS
4. Reposition your profile picture accordingly
5. Determine how long the frame will be displayed

Looking for educational resources to share on newborn screening? We have lots of wonderful English and Spanish resources from our team and organizations across the country in our newborn screening resource center, including:

• Videos
• Webinars
• Fact Sheets
• Educational Tools
• Posters

Join the Conversation - #2020NBS Twitter Chat on September 17 at 2pm ET