In October 2007 March of Dimes volunteers from Georgia attended the National Public Affairs Conference in Washington, DC and met with delegates from Georgia to discuss:
• Re-authorization and appropriation of the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
• Appropriation of the PREEMIE Bill and the National Children’s Health Study
• Authorization of the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act

NEWBORN SCREENING
On January 1, 2007, Georgia began screening all newborns for 28 of the March of Dimes recommended newborn screening tests. The Georgia Chapter of the March of Dimes made a $1 million dollar commitment to the state to expand Georgia’s Newborn Metabolic Screening Program. This commitment is in partnership with the Georgia Division of Public Health, CDC and Emory University. Newborn screening is designed to diagnose and prevent sickness, mental retardation and even death.

The March of Dimes recommends that every newborn be tested for at least the 29 disorders specified by the American College of Medical Genetics (AMCG) and that states report on an additional 25 "report only" conditions.  The March of Dimes Georgia Chapter is committed to expanding the program until Georgia screens for all 29 recommended disorders.

Click here to see the March of Dimes statement on newborn screening and the 29 screens recommended by the March of Dimes.

PEACHCARE FOR KIDS PROGRAM
The March of Dimes Georgia Chapter supports the PeachCare for Kids Program and is working to ensure the program stays intact.  During the 2007 General Assembly the chapter successfully fought to maintain eligibility for PeachCare at 235% of the Federal Poverty Level.

PREEMIE BILL
In 2006 we supported the PREEMIE Bill which was passed by Congress.  This bill authorizes expansion of federal support for research and education, pilot testing of strategies to prevent preterm birth, and Surgeon General's conference on the serious and growing problem of premature birth.  We are currently supporting the appropriation of this bill.

OTHER LEGISLATIVE ISSUES
The 2007 General Assembly adjourned on Friday, April 20th.  Click here to learn more about bills we followed during the 2007 General Assembly.  Click here to find your elected officials and here to find your legislators contact information.
The Georgia Chapter advocates on the state and federal level for the following priority areas:
•  Access to healthcare for pregnant women, infants and children
•  Research to prevent birth defects and infant mortality
•  Prevention and treatment program to improve maternal, infant and child health
•  Institutional concerns for non-profit organizations

Previous legislative successes include:
•  Expansion of the newborn screening  program to test for 28 of the 29 March of Dimes recommended screens.
•  PeachCare for Kids Program which provides health insurance to children under age 18 whose parent(s) make up to 235% of the federal poverty level.  For more information on PeachCare visit http://www.peachcare.org/or call 1.877.GA PEACH (427.3224).
•  Medicaid expansion for pregnant women who make up to 200% of the federal poverty level.  This expansion allows pregnant women to receive medical care when they otherwise would not.