In 2004, the March of Dimes took swift action to ensure that funds from the Metabolic Screening and Treatment Fund were not taken to support the General Revenue fund.

In 2005, it appears that Governor Blagojevich plans to again move these funds to General Revenue.  While the Governor faces tough choices in meeting the state’s financial priorities and feels it is in the best interest of the state to move surplus dollars from the NBS fund to the General Revenue Fund, The March of Dimes is concerned that such action could diminish the work of the Genetic and Newborn Screening Program and limit it’s ability to screen newborns for the 29 conditions as recommended by the March of Dimes.
 
Without current funding, many of the program’s planned enhancements for expansion could be put on hold indefinitely. 

Any reduction of funds could negatively impact such essential work to ensure timely identification and treatment of newborns as:

• Expanding screening to include Cystic Fibrosis
• Maintenance and continuation of courier system to ensure speedy delivery of specimens and results
• Improved data system to ensure accurate collection and follow up
• Staffing to maintain and manage system

March of Dimes Recommendation:

Oppose reallocation of funds from the Metabolic and Newborn Screening Fund to the General Revenue Fund.

Supporting Agencies:

• Children’s Memorial Hospital
• Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics
• Illinois Division of the American Lung Association
• Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center, Joliet
• Shriver Center on Poverty Law

For more information contact:
Lisa Dye, State Director of Program Services
March of Dimes Illinois Chapter
111 West Jackson, Suite 2200
Chicago, IL  60604
312-596-4710    Ldye@marchofdimes.com