NATIONAL CENTER ON BIRTH DEFECTS AND DEVELOPMENTAL
DISABILITIES (CF)
The mission of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)
is to improve the health of children and adults by preventing birth defects and developmental
disabilities, and complications of heredity blood disorders; promoting optimal child
development, and the health and wellness among children and adults living with disabilities and
those living with or at risk of genetic disorder across the lifespan. NCBDDD strives to prevent
disease save healthcare costs and reduce health disparities in the United States. In carrying out
this mission, this organization: (1) Conducts public health research, epidemiological
investigations, genomic research, laboratory research, demonstration projects and public health
programs; (2) Plans, develops, establishes, and maintains systems of surveillance and monitoring
the population for these conditions; (3) Operates regional centers for the conduct of applied
epidemiological research on these conditions; (4) Provides information and education to
healthcare providers, public health professionals, and the public on these conditions;
(5) Provides technical assistance, consultation, capacity building through technology transfer,
grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other means to state, local, international, and
nonprofit organizations to prevent and control these conditions; (6) Provides training in the
epidemiology of these conditions for healthcare professionals within and outside the United
States; (7) Translates scientific findings into intervention, prevention, and health promotion
strategies; (8) Conducts evaluations of programs to determine effectiveness; and (9) Coordinates
activities with other CDC organizations and federal and non-federal health agencies, as
appropriate. (Approved 6/28/2023)
Office of the Director (CF1)
(1) Directs, manages, and coordinates the activities of the NCBDDD; (2) Develops goals and
objectives; provides leadership, policy formulation, scientific oversight, and guidance in program
planning and development; (3) Coordinates NCBDDD program activities with other CDC
components, federal agencies, state and local health agencies, business and industry, voluntary
organizations, and community-based organizations; (4) Coordinates technical assistance to
states, other nations and international organizations; (5) Coordinates with medical, scientific, and
other professional organizations interested in birth defects prevention, genetics, developmental
disabilities prevention, and disabilities and health, and prevention of complications of hereditary
blood disorders; (6) Advises the CDC Director on policy matters concerning NCBDDD
activities; (7) Oversees and coordinates the translation of scientific findings for health care
providers, public health professionals, and the public on these conditions; (8) Ensures NCBDDD
produces the highest quality, most relevant and useful science possible; (9) Oversees scientific
clearance of NCBDDD documents and digital materials and coordinates cross-clearance of
materials; (10) Provides information and guidance to the staff regarding scientific issues and
provides scientific leadership for the center; (11) Provides ongoing communication leadership
and support to NCBDDD’s Office of the Director and divisions in furthering the Centers’
mission; leads strategic planning for communications and branding of NCBDDD programs and
projects; (12) Leads and oversees news media strategy and evaluation; (13) Facilitates clearance
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and cross-clearance of NCBDDD print and digital materials, ensuring adherence to CDC and
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) information and publication policies;
(14) Reviews, prepares and coordinates policy and briefing documents; (15) Conducts
monitoring and analysis of policy issues potentially affecting NCBDDD and its constituents; and
(16) Provides information for the development of the NCBDDD’s annual budget submission.
(Approved 6/28/2023)
Resource Management Office (CF12)
(1) Plans, coordinates, and provides administrative and management advice and guidance for
NCBDDD; (2) Provides and coordinates center-wide administrative, management, and support
services in the areas of fiscal management, personnel, travel, procurement, facility management,
and other administrative services; (3) Prepares annual budget plans and budget justifications;
(4) Develops annual budget plans and budget justifications; (5) Monitors NCBDDD spend plans
to ensure ceiling levels are at or below specified levels; (6) Coordinates NCBDDD requirements
relating to contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and reimbursable agreements; (7) Develops
and implements administrative policies, procedures, and operations, as appropriate, for
NCBDDD, and prepares special reports and studies, as required, in the administrative
management areas; and (8) Maintains liaison with related staff offices and other officials of CDC
on behalf of NCBDDD. (Approved 7/9/2019; Effective 6/28/2023)
Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders (CFB)
The Division of Birth Defects and Infant Disorders works to identify causes of birth defects and
infant disorders through surveillance and public health research, and conducts prevention
research and programs to improve health across the lifespan. This division: (1) Conducts
epidemiological research to determine the causes and prevention of birth defects and
developmental disabilities; (2) Maintains and expands support for state-based surveillance;
(3) Evaluates the effectiveness of efforts to prevent birth defects and developmental disabilities;
(4) Conducts and disseminates findings of epidemiologic research, investigations,
demonstrations, and programs directed toward the prevention of selected adverse reproductive
outcomes that are environmentally related; (5) Provides assistance to state and local health
departments on community exposures to teratogenic, mutagenic, embryotoxic, other
environmental agents, and genetic influences adversely interfering with normal growth and
development. (6) Conducts research and epidemiologic studies to develop intervention programs
to reduce alcohol and other substance exposed pregnancies and monitors infant outcomes to
identify and better understand the needs and develop interventions to improve the trajectory for
substance exposed infants; (7) Works closely with international organizations and entities in
developing strategies and programs for reducing the number of birth defects and developmental
disabilities; (8) Develops and evaluates prevention strategies and provides training, technical
consultation, and assistance to States and localities in developing their capacity for planning,
establishing, and maintaining surveillance and prevention programs; (9) Plans, develops,
establishes, and maintains systems of surveillance including registries for monitoring, evaluating
and disseminating information; (10) Assists in increasing the capacity of states, localities,
international organizations, and non-governmental organizations to prevent and control birth
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defects and developmental disabilities through training, technology transfer, grants, cooperative
agreements, contracts, and other means; (11) Provides information and education to the public;
(12) Provides services, consultation, technical assistance, and information to States, localities,
other Federal agencies, international organizations, and other public and private organizations;
(13) Provides training in the epidemiology to professionals throughout the U.S. and abroad; and
(14) Collaborates and coordinates activities with other CIOs and HHS agencies.
(Approved 6/28/2023)
Office of the Director (CFB1)
(1) Manages, directs, and coordinates the research agenda and activities of the division;
(2) Provides leadership and guidance on strategic planning, policy, program and project priority
planning and setting, program management, and operations; (3) Establishes division goals,
objectives, and priorities; (4) Monitors progress in implementation of projects and achievement
of objectives; (5) Plans, allocates, and monitors resources; (6) Provides management,
administrative, and support services, and coordinates with appropriate NCBDDD offices on
program and administrative matters; (7) Provides liaison with other CDC organizations, other
governmental agencies, international organizations, and other outside groups; (8) Provides
support for internal scientific advisory groups; (9) Provides scientific leadership and guidance to
the division to assure highest scientific quality and professional standards; and (10) Researches,
identifies and executes prevention messaging and interventions to reduce adverse birth outcomes.
(Approved 7/9/2019; Effective 6/28/2023)
Birth Defects Monitoring and Research Branch (CFBB)
(1) Designs and conducts epidemiologic and genetic research to identify causes and risk factors
of birth defects; (2) Conducts and evaluates interventions to improve infant and child health by
preventing or reducing the adverse consequences of birth defects; (3) Designs and conducts
surveillance of selected birth defects to identify rates, trends, and patterns of occurrence, and to
evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programs; (4) Disseminates findings of studies to the
scientific and public health communities, and to the general public; (5) Provides technical
assistance to state and local agencies on surveillance of birth defects, epidemiologic research,
prevention program design and evaluation, and prevention effectiveness research; (6) Funds and
coordinates grant and cooperative agreement programs and other extramural activities to
improve the knowledge base for the prevention of birth defects through surveillance,
epidemiologic research, and applies research of preventive interventions; (7) Coordinates
activities with other CDC functional units, HHS, other federal agencies, and appropriate private
organizations regarding research and prevention programs for birth defects; (8) Works with
international organizations in developing strategies for the prevention of birth defects; and
(9) Disseminates findings of research through direct contact with health authorities, publication
and distribution of special reports, publication in scientific and technical journals, conference
presentations, and other appropriate means. (Approved 7/9/2019; Effective 6/28/2023)
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Infant Outcomes Monitoring, Research and Prevention Branch (CFBC)
(1) Designs and conducts surveillance of preventable birth defects due to substance exposure
during pregnancy, and emerging threats to mothers and babies; (2) Identifies and monitors major
preconception, prenatal and perinatal risks, and protective factors for fetal alcohol spectrum
disorders (FASD) and other prenatal alcohol and substance-attributable conditions and other
threats to mothers and their babies; (3) Identifies rates, trends, and patterns of occurrence;
(4) Modifies the impact of prenatal exposures leading to adverse physical and developmental
impairments in infants, children, and adults including integrating successful prevention programs
into social and medical environments, and evaluating innovative, effective, and strategic health
promotion programs; (5) Develops, implements, evaluates, and disseminates education and
communication interventions that lead to the prevention of birth defects and developmental
disabilities; (6) Disseminates findings of epidemiologic studies to the scientific and public health
communities, and to the general public; (7) Conducts prevention effectiveness research to
evaluate interventions strategies for the prevention of birth defects and developmental
disabilities; (8) Provides technical assistance to state and local agencies on surveillance,
epidemiologic research, prevention program design and evaluation, and prevention effectiveness
research; (9) Funds and coordinates grant and cooperative agreement programs and other
extramural activities to improve the knowledge base for the prevention of birth defects and
developmental disabilities through surveillance, epidemiologic research, and applies research of
preventive interventions; (10) Coordinates activities with other CDC functional units, HHS,
other federal agencies and appropriate private organizations regarding research and prevention
programs for birth defects and developmental disabilities; (11) Works with international
organizations in developing strategies for the prevention of birth defects and developmental
disabilities; and (12) Disseminates finding of research through direct contact with health
authorities, publication and distribution of special reports, publication in scientific and technical
journals, conference presentations, and other appropriate means.
(Approved 7/9/2019; Effective 6/28/2023)
Division of Human Development and Disability (CFC)
The Division of Human Development and Disability works to help children and adults living
with Autism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette Syndrome (TS) and
other developmental disabilities live to the fullest through better understanding developmental
disabilities from early detection into adulthood. The division improves the health for children
and adults with disabilities, in particular, people with mobility limitations, intellectual disability
and hearing loss by informing disability health policy and practice, and dissemination of
disability health inclusion resources. This division: (1) Designs and conducts surveillance of
developmental disabilities to identify rates, trends, and patterns of occurrence, and to evaluate
the effectiveness of prevention programs; (2) Conducts epidemiologic studies of developmental
disabilities to identify causes and risk factors for these conditions; (3) Disseminates findings of
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epidemiologic studies to the scientific and public health communities and to the general public;
(4) Conducts applied research on public health aspects of normal and abnormal child
development (e.g., early childhood, behavior problems in children); (5) Conducts research on
interventions to prevent adverse child developmental outcomes; (6) Develops and disseminates
information on public health aspects of normal and abnormal child development; (9) Conducts,
analyzes, and disseminates surveillance data to identify the distribution of disabilities in state
populations; health conditions that occur with greater frequency among people with disabilities;
and risk and protective behaviors compared to people without disabilities; (10) Assists states and
localities in developing their capacity for serving individuals with developmental and other
disabilities (e.g., developing prevention strategies, providing training and technical consultation)
to prevent secondary conditions; (11) Collaborates with universities, federal, national, and state
organizations to identify and address knowledge and research gaps in developmental health and
disability; (12) Collaborates with universities and other organizations to investigate
environmental, social, and technological supports to promote inclusion; (13) Develops programs
that seek to identify health risks, protective factors and measure the effectiveness of health
promotion activities for prevention of conditions related to disability; and (14) Oversees and
manages grants, cooperative agreements, contracts, and other funding instruments related to
division programs. (Approved 7/9/2019; Effective 6/28/2023)
Office of the Director (CFC1)
(1) Provides leadership and guidance on strategic planning and implementation, program priority
setting, and policy development, to advance the mission of the division, NCBDDD, and CDC;
(2) Develops goals, objectives, and the budget; monitors progress and allocation of resources,
and reports accomplishments, future directions, and resource requirements, (3) Facilitates
scientific, policy and program collaboration among divisions and centers, and between CDC and
other federal/non-federal partners; (4) Promotes advancement of science throughout the division,
supports program evaluation, and ensures that research meets the highest standards in the field;
(5) Provides medical expertise and consultation to planning, projects, policies and program
activities; (6) Advises the NCBDDD Office of the Director on matters relating to human
development and disability and coordinates division responses to requests for technical
assistance or information on activities supported by the division; (7) Develops and produces
communications tools and public affairs strategies to meet the needs of division programs and
mission; and (8) Represents the division at official professional and scientific meetings, both
within and outside of CDC. (Approved 4/20/2011; Effective 6/28/2023)
Child Development and Disability Branch (CFCB)
(1) Promotes optimal child development and early identification of children with developmental
delays through assessing, developing, implementing, disseminating and supporting evidence-
based practices, tools, and resources; (2) Helps children and adults with autism, ADHD, TS and
other developmental disabilities live to the fullest by understanding preventable risk factors,
opportunities for early intervention, and the effects of these disorders throughout the lifespan;
(3) Designs and conducts surveillance of developmental disabilities to identify rates, trends, and
patterns of occurrence, and to evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programs; (4) Conducts
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epidemiologic studies of developmental disabilities to identify causes and risk factors for these
conditions; (5) Disseminates findings of epidemiologic studies to the scientific and public health
communities and to the general public; (6) Conducts prevention effectiveness research to
evaluate interventions strategies for the prevention of developmental disabilities; (7) Conducts
epidemiologic studies to identify and describe specific conditions and long-term outcomes of
developmental disabilities; (8) Provides technical assistance to state and local agencies on
surveillance of developmental disabilities, epidemiologic research, prevention program design
and evaluation, and prevention effectiveness research; (9) Provides scientific leadership and
technical assistance in the development, application, improvement and evaluation of public
health activities, systems, and interventions supporting optimal child development, including
those with or at risk for disabilities; (10) Coordinates and collaborates on recommendations for
policy development at the federal and state levels and with the private sector to promote social
participation and optimal child development, including those with or at risk for disabilities;
(11) Conducts research to expand the knowledge base related to optimal early development and
health of children with or at risk of disabilities, and investigates costs and effectiveness of
intervention programs and systems; (12) Funds and coordinates grant and cooperative agreement
programs and other extramural activities to improve the knowledge base for the prevention of
developmental disabilities through surveillance, epidemiologic research, and applies research of
preventive interventions; (13) Coordinates activities with other CDC functional units, HHS,
other federal agencies and appropriate private organizations regarding research and prevention
programs for developmental disabilities; (14) Collaborates with international organizations in
developing strategies for the prevention of developmental disabilities; (15) Disseminates findings
of research through direct contact with health authorities, publication and distribution of special
reports, publication in scientific and technical journals, conference presentations, and other
appropriate means; and (16) Provides training in the epidemiology of developmental disabilities
to professionals throughout the United States and abroad.
(Approved 7/9/2019; Effective 6/28/2023)
Disability and Health Promotion Branch (CFCC)
(1) Assists states and localities with the development, monitoring and evaluation of early hearing
detection and intervention (EHDI) tracking and surveillance systems; (2) Conducts research on
etiology of hearing loss and associated disabilities, cost and effectiveness and long-term benefits
of early identification and intervention (3) Supports state-based disability and health promotion
programs, national, and state organizations that promote and inform disability policy and
practice, including assessing, developing, implementing, and disseminating disability inclusion
models, tools, and resources; (4) Collaborates with and provides technical assistance,
consultation, and training to local, state, federal, and international agencies, universities and
governmental and non-governmental organizations on disability and health related issues;
(5) Collaborates with local, state, federal, and international agencies, and appropriate
governmental and non-governmental organizations to develop, review, and implement policies
that advance the health of people with disabilities across the lifespan; (6) Provides scientific
leadership in the development, application, extension, and improvement of health surveillance
and tracking systems related to disability and health; (7) Conducts and supports both qualitative
and quantitative research to expand the knowledge base related to disability and health across the
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lifespan; (8) Disseminates information from surveillance and health services research,
epidemiological research, health promotion and disease prevention strategies, and policies
related to disability and health; (9) Establishes collaborative partnerships with public and private
organizations of national and international stature to promote the health of people with
disabilities; (10) Collaborates with funded non-governmental agencies to disseminate best
practices, identify areas of need, facilitate development and distribution of educational materials,
and provide informational resources to states and affected populations and their caregivers; and
(11) Provides leadership in health promotion and disease prevention across the lifespan for
individuals with disabilities.(Approved 7/9/2019; Effective 6/28/2023)
Division of Blood Disorders and Public Health Genomics (CFD)
(1) Designs and manages a surveillance system to evaluate the incidence, morbidity, and
mortality of hemophilia, blood diseases and other hereditary disorders; (2) Plans, develops, and
coordinates special surveys and populations studies in selected geographic areas to monitor and
assess the complications of chronic blood diseases and chronic hereditary disorders; (3) Collects,
analyzes, and prepares reports to document the prevalence and incidence of blood diseases and
chronic hereditary disorders in the United States and provides this information to the scientific
community through reports, publications, and public access data sets; (4) Designs and
implements studies using the surveillance data to identify risk factors for the complication of
blood diseases and chronic hereditary disorders, and evaluate the effectiveness of the prevention
activities; (5) Conducts applied and operational research related to disease definition, etiology,
diagnosis, complications, and prevention of blood diseases and chronic hereditary disorders;
(6) Conducts epidemiologic studies in persons and their families with blood diseases and chronic
hereditary disorders; (7) Plans, develops, and coordinates special surveys and populations studies
in selected geographic areas to monitor and assess the complications of blood diseases and
chronic hereditary disorders; (8) Provides epidemiologic and medical consultation and technical
assistance, including epidemic aids, to State and local health departments, other governmental
agencies, and other public and private organizations in the investigation of blood diseases and
chronic hereditary disorders; (9) Designs and implements studies to evaluate the effectiveness of
implemented prevention strategies in the prevention centers; (10) Conducts applied research to
develop, evaluate, improve, and standardize the methods and procedures used for the
classification, surveillance, and prevention of blood diseases and chronic hereditary disorders;
(11) Participates in research on the prevention of the chronic complications of blood diseases and
hereditary disorders; (12) Provides diagnostic support for epidemiologic studies and epidemic
aids on emerging blood diseases and chronic hereditary disorders; (13) Determines the
mechanisms of pathogenesis and complications of blood diseases and chronic hereditary
disorders; (14) Conducts research and provides reference services on diagnostic techniques for
blood diseases and other hereditary disorders; (15) Maintains the national reference laboratory
for blood diseases and chronic hereditary disorders; and (16) Conducts research to improve
laboratory methodologies and materials. (Approved 6/28/2023)
Office of the Director (CFD1)
(1) Provides leadership and guidance on strategic planning and implementation, program priority
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setting, and policy development, to advance the mission of the division, NCBDDD, and CDC;
(2) Develops goals, objectives, and the budget; monitors progress and allocation of resources,
and reports accomplishments, future directions, and resource requirements, (3) Facilitates
scientific, policy and program collaboration among divisions and centers, and between CDC and
other federal/non-federal partners; (4) Promotes the advancement of science throughout the
division, supports program evaluation, and ensures that research meets the highest standards in
the field; (5) Provides medical expertise and consultation to planning, projects, policies and
program activities; (6) Advises the NCBDDD Office of the Director on matters relating to blood
disorders and genomics and coordinates division responses to requests for technical assistance or
information on activities supported by the division; (7) Develops and produces communications
tools and public affairs strategies to meet the needs of division programs and mission; and
(8) Represents the division at official professional and scientific meetings, both within and
outside of CDC. (Approved 6/28/2023)
Blood Disorder Surveillance and Epidemiology Branch (CFDB)
(1) Provides scientific leadership in the design and implementation of monitoring systems as
well as designs and conducts epidemiologic and genetic research to identify causes, risk factors
and complications of blood disorders in affected populations; (2) Designs and manages
surveillance systems to evaluate the incidence, morbidity, and mortality associated with blood
diseases and disorders; (3) Plans, develops and coordinates special surveys and populations
studies to monitor and assess the complications of blood disorders; (4) Designs and implements
studies using surveillance data to identify risk factors for the complications of blood disorders,
and evaluating the effectiveness of the prevention activities; (5) Provides epidemiologic and
medical consultation and technical assistance, including epidemic aids to state and local health
departments, other governmental agencies, and other public and private institutions in the
investigation of blood disorders and related complications; (6) Designs and implements studies
to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented prevention strategies in the treatment centers;
(7) Works closely with internal and external organizations in applying prevalence and incidence
data to target and evaluate programs to prevent the complications of blood diseases and chronic
hereditary disorders; (8) Publishes findings and advances arising out of surveillance and
epidemiologic research to the scientific and public health communities; (9) Provides training
services to states, localities, and other countries in investigation, diagnosis, prevention, and
control of blood diseases and chronic hereditary disorders; (10) Assists in designing,
implementing, and evaluating prevention and counseling programs for persons and their families
with chronic blood diseases and selected chronic hereditary disorders; (11) Designs, implements
and coordinates the prevention and surveillance activities of specialized federally funded
prevention centers organized to prevent the complications of blood diseases and chronic
hereditary disorders; (12) Conducts and supports both qualitative and quantitative research to
expand the knowledge base related to blood disorders across the lifespan; (13) Collaborates with
hemostasis laboratory branch and incorporates the findings of these branches’ activities which
leads to prevention of complications of blood disorders; (14) Supports public health analysis to
include facilitating data collection, data management, data manipulation, analysis, project
reporting and presentation; and (15) Conducts applied research to develop, evaluate, improve and
standardize public information systems and educational modules which support the prevention of
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complications from blood disorders. (Approved 6/28/2023)
Hemostasis Laboratory Branch (CFDC)
(1) Identifies new genetic markers of risk factors and clotting defects for affected groups;
(2) Provides reference laboratory diagnosis for multi-site epidemiologic and surveillance studies;
(3) Develops techniques and interpretation methods to improve molecular and coagulation
diagnosis; (4) Provides diagnostic support for epidemiologic studies and epidemic aids on
emerging blood disorders and chronic hereditary disorders; (5) Determines the mechanisms of
pathogenesis and complications of blood disorders and chronic hereditary disorders;
(6) Conducts research and providing reference services on diagnostic techniques for blood
disorders and chronic hereditary disorders; (7) Conducts research to improve laboratory
methodologies and materials; (8) Where appropriate, maintains the national reference laboratory
for blood disorders and chronic hereditary disorders; (9) Works closely with entities and
organizations within the agency and organizations external to the agency to provide laboratory
services in support of projects whose primary aim is to prevent and reduce complications
associated with blood disorders and chronic hereditary disorders; and (10) Publishes findings and
advances arising out of surveillance and epidemiologic research to the scientific and public
health communities. (Approved 1/28/2016; Effective 06/28/2023)
Public Health Genomics Branch (CFDD)
(1) Identifies and evaluates emerging genomic, family health history, and precision health
applications with the potential to impact population health by preventing disease, saving
healthcare costs, and reducing health disparities in the United States; (2) Integrates advances in
human genomics, machine learning, data science, and predictive analytics responsibly and
effectively into public health programs and healthcare; (3) Provides technical assistance and
advice to CDC leadership and programs, other federal agencies, state health departments, and
other external partners by identifying, evaluating, and implementing evidence-based genomics
and precision health practices to prevent and control the country’s leading genetic diseases;
(4) Supports policy, education, and surveillance frameworks to promote effective
implementation of evidence-based recommendations for genomic tests, family health history,
and precision health applications, as well as those applications that will emerge in the future; and
(5) Conducts genomics and epidemiologic studies and analyses to improve public health
(Approved 6/28/2023 )
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