Birth Defects Surveillance— The Chapter will lead effort to obtain funding for Louisiana Birth Defects Monitoring Network. 

This important program’s stated purpose is "…To establish a system to collect, analyze, and disseminate data regarding birth defects in the state and to provide information to families of children born with birth defects regarding services available in their community and the development of appropriate prevention programs."

Adequate funding for this program is essential in order to be able to collect this valuable information so that prevention programs can be created and implemented.

Access to Care— Chapter will monitor Medicaid reform efforts and will act to protect March of Dimes populations of interest if necessary.

2006 Advocacy Wins:

The Louisiana Chapter secured administrative approval to expand the state newborn screening panel from 13 to 27 “core” conditions recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and endorsed by the March of Dimes.