RESUMEN
The prevention of congenital anomalies and their sequelae is an important public health objective. One strategy for preventing morbidity and mortality due to congenital disorders is Wisconsin's Newborn Screening Program. Wisconsin has been a national leader in newborn screening since its inception with phenylketonuria screening in 1966. Wisconsin's program is a collaborative effort of the State Maternal and Child Health Program, housed within the Division of Public Health of the Department of Health and Family Services; the State Laboratory of Hygiene; physicians and other health professionals; and families. After in-depth consideration, the Department recently approved the addition of 14 fatty acid oxidation disorders and organic acidemias. This paper provides an overview of the Newborn Screening Program and introduces the disorders that Wisconsin added to the newborn screening panel in April 2000. Technologic advances have provided Wisconsin with yet another tool to improve the health of its citizens and prevent significant morbidity and mortality.