The impetus to create the Chesapeake-Potomac Spina Bifida Association came from parents of local chapters and professionals from the regional spina bifida centers concerned about the unmet needs of their children and adults with spina bifida. The organizers met in 1993 and began an effort to create a regional association to provide coordinated medical, educational, vocational and social services to individuals with spina bifida. In 1997, the association became a 501(c) 3 organization serving individuals with spina bifida and their families in Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.

The association's mission is "to promote the prevention of spina bifida and to support the needs of individuals with spina bifida and related disorders" Programs and services reflect the association's goals:

• To enable children, youth and adults with spina bifida to maximize their potential for educational achievement, employment, independence and a healthy life.
• To significantly reduce the incidence of spina bifida and related conditions,
• To enable families of individuals with spina bifida to receive care giving support from each other.
• To assure that individuals with spina bifida and related conditions receive entitled medical, educational and vocational services.

The association provides a support network, information exchange and direct services to 1000 individuals and their families in Maryland, northern Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

For more information about our programs and services, go to Membership Services.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Chesapeake-Potomac Spina Bifida Association, go to Membership Information.