| March of Dimes is working hard to 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 expand the state’s program and to appropriate $2 million which will cover the Department of Health costs to administer the program including funding regional treatment centers throughout the state.
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.
Here’s how you can help:
- 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.
- Contact your own Senator asking him or her to:
1. Send a letter to Senator Armstrong to move this legislation.
2. Vote for this legislation when it is presented in Appropriations and again when it arrives on the Senate floor for a full chamber vote.
If you are unsure of who your Senator is, go to http://www.legis.state.pa.us/ and enter your zip code and your representative will be identified.
- Share this request with all interested parties within your circle of influence. Pennsylvania’s newborns need the safeguard this legislation will provide.
For additional information, please contact Dolores Smith at dsmith@marchofdimes.com.
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