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Indiana Chapter Advocacy Program
March of Dimes Indiana Chapter Day at the Capitol was Tuesday, February 3, 2009.  The day started with Advocacy 101 training for new volunteers at 10:00am followed by lunch with select legislators at 12noon. Volunteers marched to the Statehouse at 1pm followed by a rally in the rotunda and meetings with legislators were held from 1:30 - 3:30pm.

Contact Minjoo Morlan, Chapter Associate Director of Program Services for more details and how to get involved with the advocacy efforts in Indiana.  Minjoo can be reached at 1-800-844-9255 and by email at mmorlan@marchofdimes.com

The March of Dimes supports the legislation for a smokefree workplace and advocated for the passing a comprehensive smoking ban in Indiana, a measure which was defeated in its original form but we remain vigilant in our efforts to get it passed this session.

Action on Senate Bill #371 (SB371) which enacts a uniform tax on nonsmoking tobacco products like snuff, chewing tobacco and other smokeless products has stalled in the House.  The bill provides that $1,500,000 of the revenue from the increase is appropriated to the department of health for prenatal substance abuse programs and the remainder of the increase is deposited in the Indiana check-up plan trust fund.  The Indiana Chapter continues to advocate for passage of this measure before the session ends.
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: 
Indiana Director of Program Services
(317) 262-4668
Newborn Screening in Indiana
Every 3½ minutes a baby is born with a birth defect in the United States.  In Indiana, 1 in 5 infant deaths are attributed to birth defects.  Those babies with birth defects that do survive often require surgeries, extended neonatal hospital stays, and have associated life-long social and healthcare costs. 

That is why March of Dimes funded research developed newborn screening tests like that used to detect PKU and why March of Dimes volunteers advocate for uniform and comprehensive newborn screening for 29 metabolic and hearing conditions recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and endorsed by the March of Dimes and American Academy of Pediatrics

In Indiana, thanks to cooperative work of March of Dimes and ISDH and other agencies and groups, all babies recieve all of the 29 recommended screens at birth.

With a simple prick of the heel Indiana babies born with an identifiable birth defect that can be treated, get that treatment and then go on to live long and healthier lives.



Indiana Advocacy Issues and Priorities
Indiana Advocacy Issues:  As the State Budget is adjusted to accomodate the current economic times March of Dimes volunteers are going to the Indiana Statehouse on February 3rd to help ensure that the 2009 budget includes helping give every baby a healthy start.

 

  • Senate Bill #371 (SB371) which enacts a uniform tax on nonsmoking tobacco products like snuff, chewing tobacco and other smokeless products.  The bill provides that $1,500,000 of the revenue from the increase is appropriated to the department of health for prenatal substance abuse programs and the remainder of the increase is deposited in the Indiana check-up plan trust fund.

 

  • The March of Dimes also supports a smokefree workplace and advocates for passing a comprehensive smoking ban.

 

 



March of Dimes Volunteers Go to Statehouse to Make Sure Budget includes Babies and Families in 2009
March of Dimes Indiana Chapter Volunteers Call to Action on PREEMIE Act
Reducing Smoking During Pregnancy in Indiana - Fact Sheet
Medicaid Waiver for Family Planning Services to Reduce High Risk Births - Senate Bill 572 - Fact Sheet


Ask members of Congress to sponsor the Preemie Act.