chapter bg


Issues and Priorities
March of Dimes public affairs efforts focus on national and state policies and programs that relate to our mission - improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. We are also involved in issues that affect non-profit organizations.
Advocacy Network
The Advocacy Network is made up of volunteers and staff who promote the March of Dimes mission agenda by contacting the governor and state legislators in response to Chapter action alerts.

If you are interested in becoming a public affairs volunteer, or being part of the advocacy network, please contact: 
Arkansas Director of Program Services
(501) 663-3100
Public Policy Research
One of the responsibilities of the March of Dimes Office of Government Affairs is to direct public policy studies that support national and Chapter advocacy priorities.
Arkansas Advocacy Issues and Priorities
Advocacy Priorities for the Arkansas Chapter:

Newborn Screening—The Chapter will lead the effort to expand the state’s newborn screening panel from 7 to 29 core conditions.

Birth Defects Surveillance— The Chapter will lead effort to obtain funding for the Arkansas Reproductive Health Monitoring System.

Access to Care— The Chapter will monitor access debate and be prepared to protect MOD populations in the event they are threatened

The Arkansas Chapter successfully advocated for administrative approval to expand the newborn screening program from 7 to all 29 “core” metabolic and functional conditions.  Working with Governor Beebe’s office and the Department of Health, the Arkansas Chapter brought a coalition of concerned organizations and individuals together to strongly advocate for expansion of the state’s newborn screening program.  According to the Department of Health, expansion is set to occur in 2008.



Newborn Screening Key Messages


Ask members of Congress to sponsor the Preemie Act.