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The Office of Maternal, Child and Family Health, Bureau for Public Health has within its realm of services a program dedicated to Birth Defects Surveillance. The CARESS Program stands for Congenital Abnormalities Registry, Education and Surveillance System. Currently the program collects data from the birthing facilities within the state to study the rates and trends of birth defects to aid in determining possible causes.

The Program serves as an early identification system to ensure necessary linkages are in place between health care agencies and the infants, families and children to receive the best care possible.

An additional component of the CARESS Program involves community outreach and education on birth defects prevention within the state. Outreach efforts to West Virginia high schools, colleges and community groups are in place to educate people on both risk factors and prevention associated with congenital abnormalities.

The goals of the CARESS Program are:

Collect consistent and accurate data regarding birth defects incidence in a timely manner.

Acquire case information from medical records at all hospitals, clinics and facilities where the infant was born.

Refer infants, children, and families to health care agencies to ensure they receive the best care possible.

Educate health care providers and support staff about registry importance and requirements.

Study the rates and trends of birth defects in West Virginia to determine possible indicators.

Share findings on congenital abnormalities surveillance and education.

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