APHL Convenes Newborn Whole Genome Sequencing Initiative, Ensuring Public Health Laboratory Input

APHL Blog |
December 2025
Press

APHL celebrates the launch of BEACONS, the nation’s first multi-state initiative evaluating whether whole genome sequencing (WGS) can be responsibly integrated into the U.S. newborn screening system. With a $14.4M NIH award and invaluable participation from public health labs across the country, BEACONS will test how WGS affects workflows, consent, data systems, and the actionable value delivered to families. Over the next three years, the project aims to generate the evidence needed to determine if genomic sequencing can sustainably enhance traditional newborn screening.