| (HARRISBURG, PA – March 14, 2008) – The Pennsylvania Chapter March of Dimes is working to enact legislation this session that would expand Pennsylvania’s Newborn Screening Program to include the 29 “core” treatable conditions recommended by American College of Medical Genetics and endorsed by the March of Dimes and the American Academy of Pediatrics. Failure to screen and treat for these metabolic conditions leaves newborns at risk for life-altering consequences including brain damage, coma, and even death.
Senator Jane Orie and Representative George Kenney introduced companion legislation in the House and Senate to ensure that all newborns in Pennsylvania receive this vital screening. The legislation also includes funding to cover the Department of Health costs related to expand its newborn screening program and to help pay for the regional treatment centers throughout the state. Lifetime cost for a child whose health is irreparably altered from a failure to screen will cost the Commonwealth far beyond the $2 million dollars that is being requested.
House Bill 883 unanimously passed the PA House on July 3, 2007 and was referred to the PA Senate. On March 12, the PA Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee voted to pass this legislation and referred it to Senate Appropriations, where it awaits consideration.
“This week, the Pennsylvania Legislature took an important step to ensure that every baby has a healthy start,” said Catherine Houska, Board Chair of the Pennsylvania Chapter March of Dimes. “On behalf of the volunteers and staff of the March of Dimes Foundation, I applaud the PA House and PA Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee for its passage of this legislation. Newborn screening is a vital public health activity which provides early identification and treatment for infants affected by certain metabolic, hormonal, genetic and or functional disorders. If all infants are diagnosed and treated early, serious problems including disability and even death can be averted.”
In order to secure successful passage, the March of Dimes is asking for support from Pennsylvania voters for these immediate advocacy needs:
1. Send a letter to Senator Gibson Armstrong, Chair of Senate Appropriations Committee, asking him to move this legislation, and its funding, to a successful passage in the Senate.
2. Call or write a letter to the voter’s own Senator requesting he or she support this issue by:
a) Sending a letter to Senator Armstrong to move this legislation.
b) Voting for this legislation when it is presented in Appropriations and again when it arrives on the Senate floor for a full chamber vote.
Passage of this legislation is an investment in the health and future of our children.
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
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