Minnesota Advocacy Issues and Priorities
Newborn Screening for Minnesota Babies
Newborn screening (NBS) is a public health activity for early identification and follow-up of infants affected by certain genetic, metabolic, hormonal and/or functional conditions. Each year the Minnesota Department of Health screens more than 72,000 newborns in Minnesota and saves the lives or greatly improves the outcomes for approximately 75 to 90 children "confirmed positive" with a disorder each year. These early medical interventions prevent severe disabilities and death. Minnesota State Law (144.125) currently mandates screening for 54 disorders, including all 29 conditions recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and endorsed by the March of Dimes.
ACTION: The March of Dimes recommends maintaining the Newborn Screening Program in its current form.
Birth Defects Information System
Nationally, an estimated 120,000 babies are born each year with birth defects. One in five infant deaths is due to birth defects, making them the leading cause of infant mortality. According to the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), it is estimated that each year, more than 2,000 babies in Minnesota are born with birth defects. The Birth Defects Information System (BDIS) was implemented by MDH in 2005, according to Minnesota state law (144.2215). The primary goals of BDIS are to gather comprehensive data on 45 birth defects in Minnesota, ensure that families receive timely referrals to appropriate services, and implement prevention strategies to reduce the number of birth defects.
ACTION: The March of Dimes recommends appropriating money to fund the Minnesota Birth Defects Information System in order to fully implement Minnesota State Law (144.2215).
Access to Health Care
According to the Institute of Medicine, health insurance is the single most important factor in determining whether or not a child receives needed health care. Every child needs preventive care; it helps them become healthy, productive adults. Yet, according to the Minnesota Department of Health, 6% of all children in Minnesota remained uninsured in 2007. Additionally, uninsured Minnesotans are far more likely than their insured counterparts to not have a personal doctor, or not receive any medical attention at all. However, 18.7% of 18 to 24 year olds and 11.4% of 25 to 34 year olds went without health insurance in 2007. This significantly impacts women of childbearing age, and ultimately affects the health of their unborn children.
ACTION: The March of Dimes recommends maintaining needed health coverage for pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and infants and children in families of the working poor.
