Spina Bifida Association of Georgia
History
The Spina Bifida Association of Georgia, previously the Spina Bifida Association of Atlanta, Georgia, was founded in 1976 by a group of parents of children with spina bifida. At that time the organization’s focus was on support and crisis management for the families. Over a period of years, SBAG funded several research projects at Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital and in 1986, the Association provided $100,000 in funding for a room at the Shepherd Center in return for the development of a habilitation program for children with spina bifida.
The needs of people with spina bifida and their families changed significantly in the 1980’s and SBAG has responded to these changes. Children with spina bifida can now expect to live to adulthood. Moreover, women can reduce the risk of having a baby born with spina bifida by up to 75% by consuming 400 micrograms of folic acid prior to and during the first three months of pregnancy. Today the Spina Bifida Association of Georgia’s mission is to promote the achievement of full potential for people born with spina bifida while emphasizing the prevention of this birth defect. The Association’s focus is twofold; inclusion and independence for people with spina bifida and prevention of future babies being born with spina bifida.
The major programs of the Spina Bifida Association of Georgia are Information and Referral, Education and Training, Prevention, Advocacy and Member Services.