Contact:  Megan M. Branham, Director of Program Services:

 803-252-5200;

mmckenzie@marchofdimes.com                        

SOUTH CAROLINA DHEC TO RECEIVE MARCH OF DIMES AWARD FOR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP IN NEWBORN SCREENING

(November 9, 2009—Columbia): Department of Health and Environmental Control Commissioner Earl Hunter will be recognized by the March of Dimes for his leadership in newborn screening at the OB Task Force Quarterly Meeting at South Carolina DHEC. The presentation will take place at 3:15 p.m. in the Commissioner’s board room (#3420/3rd floor) at 2600 Bull Street. The award will be presented by Kathryn Douglas, State Director, March of Dimes South Carolina Chapter.

In 2007, South Carolina began screening every baby at birth for 29 treatable metabolic and functional disorders as recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG) and endorsed by the March of Dimes and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“The March of Dimes applauds the Governor, the state health department and members of the state legislature for making South Carolina a national leader in newborn screening,” said Libba Patterson, Public Affairs Chair.  “Screening for treatable conditions immediately after birth can mean the difference between a healthy life or a severe disability or even death for a newborn. Tragedy can be avoided by quickly identifying a problem and providing the necessary medical treatment—which brings immeasurable relief to the families of the 62,000 babies born in South Carolina every year.”

In 2005, the first year that the March of Dimes measured state-by-state requirements on expanded newborn screening, South Carolina screened for 25 conditions. In April 2007, screening for the metabolic condition Tyrosinemia was added by DHEC to its panel of required newborn screens. 

"I'm both humbled and honored to receive this award on behalf of our efforts in South Carolina.  The efforts of so many people have been involved to make our screening program the success it is today.  I can't say enough about the work of our staff at DHEC, and the cooperation of health care providers, hospitals and organizations like the March of Dimes.  This is truly an example of what we can do if we approach opportunities as partners working toward the same goals," said Hunter.  "In this case, that universal goal is healthy babies.  It's hard to imagine many things more important than that."

The March of Dimes National Award for Excellence in Newborn Screening is being presented to representatives in eight states this year: Connecticut, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, and West Virginia.  This is the third year March of Dimes Chapters have presented the award. 

In 2009 the South Carolina March of Dimes has invested 1.5 million dollars in program services, including research grants and local community services. Through these grants, the March of Dimes is seeking ways to prevent birth defects and infant death, reduce South Carolina’s increasing premature birth rate, increase access to prenatal care and educate men and women about having healthy babies.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health.  Its mission is 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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