Recent March of Dimes efforts in Kansas have focused on passing legislation to establish a statewide birth defects information system at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).

"State birth defects information systems are a key step in our search for the causes of these birth defects.  The March of Dimes is working at both the state and federal levels to improve existing systems and to create new programs when none exist", said Norm Hess, State Director of Program Services for the Greater Kansas March of Dimes. 

Governor Kathleen Sebelius recently signed SB 418, which authorizes KDHE to establish a system to identify birth defects, detect trends and epidemics, identify risk factors, and facilitate access to appropriate medical treatment.  This bill, introduced by Senator Jim Barnett (R-Emporia), gained widespread support in both the Senate and the House.

The Birth Defects Prevention Act of 1998 authorized the first nationwide network of birth defects information systems.  The Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) supports seven regional centers that conduct research on birth defects as well as 28 cooperative agreements for establishing or expanding information systems.  Having authorizing legislation in place will strengthen the state's position when applying for funds from the CDC to establish a birth defects information system in Kansas. 

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality.  Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy.  For more information, visit the March of Dimes website at www.marchofdimes.com, its Spanish website at www.nacersano.org, or call 816-561-0175.