(ATLANTA, GA, December 27, 2006)— The first baby born in 2007 will lead a generation of babies born in Georgia that will be safer from debilitating and deadly genetic metabolic disorders.  Since 2001, the March of Dimes Georgia Chapter has been advocating for the state to meet the national March of Dimes and American College of Medical Genetics recommended screening for a uniform panel of 29 screens. With the signing of House Bill 1066 by Governor Sonny Perdue on April 27, the state will be able to charge $40 for the kits used to perform newborn screens in 2007, which will allow for the state to increase from 12 disorders to 28, with a voluntary 29th hearing screen.

“The March of Dimes is excited about what this new year will mean for Georgia’s babies,” says Brian Ziegler, state director for the March of Dimes Georgia Chapter.  “All of these disorders can be successfully managed or treated to prevent severe consequences, if diagnosed early. Increased screenings simply translates into increased protection for our newborns, which is in align with the March of Dimes mission of saving babies. This is a proud moment for the March of Dimes Georgia Chapter.”

Until now, Georgia was one of only five states that did not charge for newborn screening.  The Department of Human Resources estimates that 88 children will be identified each year with treatable conditions that cause mental retardation, developmental disability or death.  The state could save $70 million in special education and other costs, and in lost wages over time through additional screening.

In 2001, the March of Dimes Georgia Chapter developed a multi-million dollar statewide pilot program to expand newborn screening testing.  This public and private partnership involves the March of Dimes, the Division of Public Health (DHR), Emory University School of Medicine Department of Genetics and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The goal of the project is to expand Georgia’s capacity to screen for more metabolic disorders, thereby facilitating rapid, sometimes life-saving treatments to affected infants.  The Newborn Metabolic Screening Executive Committee leads this project and is responsible for equipment procurement, expanded professional/provider educations, improved community education, enhanced follow-up, longitudinal evaluation and advocacy.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.

Visit www.marchofdimes.com/nbs or www.marchofdimes.com/georgia for more information on newborn screening, including a list of the recommended 29 disorders.

Media Contact for March of Dimes – Brittney Gove , 404-350-9800 ext. 224 or bgove@marchofdimes.com

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