“This is a tremendous step forward towards the day when every family can rest assure that their newborn is healthy. Newborn screening eliminates the mystery of unapparent, serious conditions that are identifiable and treatable, and the March of Dimes commends the Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee members for their actions.
“Newborn screening is a vital public health activity that provides early identification and treatment for infants affected by certain metabolic, hormonal, genetic and or functional disorders. Through a simple blood test, taken after birth before the baby is discharged from the hospital, a condition can be identified before any symptoms begin, allowing crucial time for early treatment to prevent long-term damage, and even death. It also includes screening for hearing.
“The Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act lays the groundwork for national guidelines on newborn screening. Disparities among states' screening programs persist from how many conditions are screened to how follow up care and treatments are managed.
“This bill is also imperative because it authorizes funding for several federal initiatives designed to increase educational resources for parents and health care providers and provide assistance to states to expand and improve their newborn screening programs.
“On behalf of the more than 11,000 babies who are born everyday in the United States and their families – and our 3 million March of Dimes volunteers – we thank the Energy and Commerce Committee leadership and pledge to continue working closely with them to advance this bill. It will be tremendous day for all families when the House approves the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act (HR 3825) – this is an important investment in the health and the future of our children.”
Contact oga@marchofdimes.com for more information
