Clefting is the fourth most common birth defect, occurring in one out of every seven hundred births. 

Vector Rehabilitation has a variety of services to address the needs of children with cleft lip and palate and their families.

Craniofacial Anomalies Panel
The Craniofacial Anomalies Panel coordinates the care of individuals, primarily children, with complex craniofacial and orofacial anomalies.  The Panel is a voluntary team of multi-specialty health professionals including physicians, speech therapists, audiologists, orthodontists, dentists, nurses, and social workers.  Vector maintains records for over 175 children, and coordinates the care for 35-50 children annually.  Patients are not charged for the coordinating activities of the Panel.

Cleft Palate Feeding Kits
Vector provides cleft palate feeding kits to newborns throughout Humboldt and Del Norte counties.  This community service is made possible by funds donated by the Native Sons of the Golden West.

Parent Information/Library
Informational pamphlets are distributed free of charge, and books and articles about cleft are available on loan from Vector.  Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate — A Basic Guide for Northcoast Parents provides information on cleft and a list of resources for parents of children with cleft.  This pamphlet was made possible by the family and friends of craniofacial client Jeremy Hanlin.

Funding
The activities of the Vector Craniofacial Anomalies Programs are supported by public contributions to Vector.  In addition, the Jerry and Marguerite Wheeler Fund had been established to provide ongoing support for the Craniofacial Anomalies Program.

For more information about the Craniofacial Program or current panel services, please call panel coordinator @ 442-6463.