Corpus Christi Medical Center has received a 2026 “Making a Difference” certificate from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Newborn Screening Program, recognizing the hospital’s commitment to quality newborn screening specimen collection.
“This achievement reflects the dedication of our colleagues and the collaboration between DSHS and our women’s services, nursery, neonatal intensive care unit and laboratory teams,” said Stacey De Hoyos, chief operating officer of Corpus Christi Medical Center. “Our focus on quality specimen collection and timely submission helps families receive important information about treatment early and supports healthier tomorrows for newborns in our community.”
Texas began newborn screening in 1965 after a test was developed for phenylketonuria, then one of the most common causes of intellectual disability. Six decades later, newborn screening has grown into one of the nation’s largest life-saving public health programs, with expanded testing for many serious conditions. Each year, Texas identifies about 1,000 newborns with life-threatening disorders through screening, helping families begin treatment early and giving babies a healthier start.
Corpus Christi Medical Center accepted a recognition certificate from the Texas Department of State Health Services Newborn Screening Laboratory after specimens collected by the hospital in 2025 helped identify babies with treatable conditions included on the Texas Newborn Screening panel. At a reception with hospital leaders and colleagues, DSHS representatives recognized the hospital’s strong performance in specimen quality, rapid transport and complete demographic information — all important to helping care teams determine when additional follow-up is needed and connect families to treatment earlier.
“Corpus Christi Medical Center’s focus on quality specimen collection, submission and complete information helps support an effective newborn screening process,” said Rebecca Tangalos, newborn screening education specialist with the Texas Department of State Health Services Public Health Laboratory Division. “These efforts make a meaningful difference for newborns, families and our care teams who depend on accurate screening results.”