South Carolina Advocacy Issues and Priorities
March of Dimes Public Affairs Issues and 2010 Advocacy Priorities
The March of Dimes Public Affairs agenda focuses on public policies and programs that relate to the Foundation's mission -- improving the health of infants and children by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality -- and on issues that pertain to tax-exempt organizations. Where appropriate, Public Affairs initiatives are designed to support the March of Dimes priority that racial and ethnic health disparities be reduced or eliminated.
I. ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE FOR WOMEN OF CHILDBEARING AGE, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN
Federal and state policies pertaining to health coverage including Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), other publicly supported programs, as well as private insurance to improve access to health services. Securing coverage of pregnant women through CHIP is a requirement for every Chapter.
Development and use of perinatal and pediatric quality measures.
Standards to protect patient privacy and prohibit genetic discrimination.
Federal and state initiatives to improve maternal and child health care.
Initiatives to improve the health of infants and children living with birth defects and health problems associated with preterm birth.
II. RESEARCH TO PREVENT PREMATURITY, BIRTH DEFECTS AND INFANT MORTALITY
Birth defects (including heritable disorders detected through screening) surveillance, research, prevention and treatment programs at the state, federal, and international levels.
Data collection and research funded by the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other Federal agencies to increase knowledge relating to the prevention of birth defects, prematurity and infant mortality.
III. PREVENTION AND TREATMENT TO IMPROVE MATERNAL, INFANT, AND CHILD HEALTH
Smoking, alcohol and substance abuse prevention and cessation initiatives affecting women of childbearing age and children.
Initiatives to improve prematurity risk detection and pregnancy management to prevent preterm births.
Food and nutrition research, education and services, such as the Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).
Initiatives to reduce racial and ethnic disparities in health care.
Programs to immunize women of childbearing age, infants and children, efforts to eradicate polio worldwide, and research to develop new vaccines.
Programs to reduce exposure to environmental and reproductive hazards associated with birth defects.
IV. INSTITUTIONAL CONCERNS FOR TAX-EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS
Federal and state laws and regulations related to tax-exempt organizations.
Postal reform and rate changes.
Tax treatment of charitable contributions.
