Birth Defects are a significant public health concern that affect about 3 to 4 percent of all live births.   Each year, approximately 150,000 U.S. babies are born with birth defects. Each year in Arkansas, approximately 1,300 babies are diagnosed with a birth defect and more than 100 babies will die because of them.  The Arkansas Center's Mission is to reduce the prevalence of birth defects in Arkansas and the nation, as well as to decrease the psychological, social, and economic impact of birth defects.  To accomplish these goals, data are obtained through the Arkansas Reproductive Health Monitoring System (ARHMS) - a nationally acclaimed birth defects surveillance system.

The Arkansas Center participates in the National Birth Defect Prevention Study, conducts local research studies and collaborates with researchers and public health experts across the country to develop public health programs to help prevent birth defects.  Through synergistic collaborations, the Arkansas Center for Birth Defects Research and Prevention combines surveillance, research and prevention to make a difference in the lives of children and their families.