Prevention activities

• We advocate for prevention and wellness initiatives.
• Preventing prematurity is our current national campaign.
• Areas of focus also include newborn screening and immunizations.

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Sponsors: Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Leonard Lance (R-NJ).

History
On February 7, 2013, the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act (S. 252) was introduced in the 113th Congress and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. A companion bill (H.R. 541) was introduced in the House and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

The PREEMIE Reauthorization Act represents a renewed commitment to our nation’s efforts to reduce premature birth, which is the leading killer of newborns. If enacted, the bill will authorize enhanced research, education and intervention activities aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes.

Latest update
On February 13, 2013, S. 252 was approved by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. The Senate bill now goes to the Senate floor for consideration.

Summary of key provisions

• Reauthorizes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) research and programs on preterm birth to improve and track national data and develop methods to better understand and prevent late preterm births.
• Authorizes the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to award telemedicine grants and demonstration projects aimed at improving treatment of pregnant women and outcomes for babies born prematurely.
• Establishes the National Science-Based Provider and Consumer Education Campaign to promote healthy pregnancies and prevent preterm birth.
• Authorizes the Secretary’s Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality to provide recommendations to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services regarding reducing infant mortality, preterm birth and improving the health status of pregnant women and infants.

Take action: Tell Congress that you support the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act.

See also: What health care reform means for you and your family, PREEMIE Act (P.L. 109-450) summary of provisions