2027 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Conference
March 22-24, 2027 • Bellevue, WA
3/17/2026 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM | Beyond the Blueprint: Virginia’s Steps Toward Expanding CMV Screening, Enhancing Surveillance, and Strengthening Family-Centered Support | City Terrace 8
Beyond the Blueprint: Virginia’s Steps Toward Expanding CMV Screening, Enhancing Surveillance, and Strengthening Family-Centered Support
In September 2020, Virginia’s Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (VA EHDI) program launched a hearing-targeted congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) screening program in response to new statewide regulations. Leveraging the state’s comprehensive EHDI Information System (EHDI-IS), Virginia also established a robust CMV follow-up program, including referrals to family support services through the Virginia Commonwealth University Center for Family Involvement. In addition, in September 2023, Virginia joined the CDC SETNET program to expand the screening efforts, enhancing the capacity for both retrospective and longitudinal surveillance of children diagnosed with cCMV.
In the fall of 2023, Virginia convened a dedicated group of stakeholders to form a CMV longitudinal surveillance workgroup, which played a key role in program expansion. This group contributed to the development of a maternal retrospective surveillance tool and helped identify critical metrics for longitudinal follow-up, including imaging findings, treatment methods, and lab results. In spring 2025, the retrospective survey was launched, and longitudinal follow-up metrics were integrated into the EHDI-IS.
This session will focus on Virginia’s ongoing efforts to expand cCMV screening, conduct high-quality epidemiologic surveillance, and provide comprehensive, family-centered support. We will review the cCMV screening process, emphasizing follow-up strategies for timely diagnosis, as well as methods for retrospective and longitudinal surveillance. Epidemiologic data on CMV prevalence, screening timeliness, risk factors, and care referrals for confirmed infants will also be presented. Lastly, we will discuss the family-centered support network in Virginia and share lessons learned from the implementation process, including adjustments made, steps taken to address challenges, continuous quality improvement (CQI) metrics, and ongoing education needs.
- Comprehension of the cCMV screening process and follow up strategies for timely diagnosis
- Review data on CMV prevalence, screening timeliness, and care referrals for confirmed infants
- Overview of the family- centered support network in Virginia and share lessons learned from the implementation process
Presentation:
View Presentation File
Handouts:
Handout is not Available
Transcripts:
CART transcripts are NOT YET available, but will be posted shortly after the conference
Presenters/Authors
Deepali Sanghani
(Primary Presenter), Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program, deepali.sanghani@vdh.virginia.gov;
Deepali Sanghani is the CMV Follow-Up Coordinator for the Virginia Department of Health, Virginia Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (VA EHDI) Program. Deepali has a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a Masters in Public Health. Deepali has worked in Public Health for over 5 years and has a passion for helping others. In her role with VA EHDI, she oversees hearing screening and cCMV screening follow-up. In her spare time Deepali enjoys reading, listening to music and spending time with family and friends. Deepali resides in Richmond, Virginia with her husband and two daughters.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
No relevant financial relationship exists.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Lisa Eickel
(Co-Presenter), National CMV Foundation, Center for Family Involvement , eickell@vcu.edu;
Lisa graduated with her Masters in Speech Language Pathology from James Madison University in 2010. She worked as a pediatric Speech- Language Pathologist for 9 years across a variety of settings, including Early Intervention, private practice, charter and public schools.
Lisa became passionate about educating others on Cytomegalovirus (CMV) when her son was born affected by the virus in 2017.
Currently, Lisa works as the DHH Program Director at The Center for Family Involvement and the Family Engagement Coordinator at the Center for Sensory Disabilities within the Partnership for People with Disabilities at Virginia Commonwealth University. She serves as Co-Chair of the Virginia EHDI Advisory Committee and Community Alliance Chair with the National CMV Foundation for Virginia. Lisa and her family live in Loudoun County, Virginia.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Nonfinancial -
• Has a Personal
(Caregiver for child born with CMV)
relationship for Volunteer employment,Volunteer teaching and speaking.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Virginia Commonwealth University .
Nature: Employement .
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
Jana Pushkin
(Co-Presenter), Virginia Department of Health, Jana.pushkin@vdh.virginia.gov;
Jana Pushkin, MPH, is the Newborn Screening Epidemiologist for the Virginia Department of Health. In her role, she conducts epidemiologic surveillance, investigations, and program evaluation for Virginia's Newborn Screening and Child Health programs. She supports Virginia's Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program by developing and disseminating data reports on screening, diagnostic, and care enrollment outcomes for hearing loss and congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV). Previously, she served as the Junior Population Health Epidemiologist for the Richmond and Henrico Health Districts, where she conducted qualitative analysis to assess and address community health needs. Jana received her Master of Public Health in Research in Practice, as well as a B.A. in Global Public Health and French, from the University of Virginia. She currently serves on the leadership team for UVA’s chapter of the Delta Omega Honor Society, which promotes public health workforce development and community health improvement.
ASHA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
• Receives Salary for Employment from Virginia Department of Health.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.
AAA DISCLOSURE:
Financial -
Financial relationship with Virginia Department of Health.
Nature: Salaried employee at VDH.
Nonfinancial -
No relevant nonfinancial relationship exists.