Babies wear red to raise awareness for congenital heart defects

Babies wear red to raise awareness for congenital heart defects (Fox13Memphis.com)

Babies wear red to raise awareness for congenital heart defects (Fox13Memphis.com)

A lot of people go red for women on Feb. 7 for women's heart health awareness. The day also raises awareness for babies with congenital heart defects.

Babies at Saint Francis Hospital in Memphis wore red booties for the occasion.

According to the American Heart Association, congenital heart defects are very common in newborns.

Libby Perry with the American Heart Association said about 40,000 babies a year are impacted.

Back in 2013, to help catch CHD, the state of Tennessee passed a law that made it mandatory for hospitals to start screening babies before they leave the hospital.

"We know those building blocks for life start as soon as they come home from the hospital," Perry said.

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