(Columbia, SC, January 18, 2007)—On Wednesday, February 7, 2007 the March of Dimes will host a legislative event to advance advocacy efforts for mothers and babies. The event will give volunteer advocates an opportunity to meet with their elected officials to discuss key issues and pending legislation that would affect the health and well being of pregnant women, infants, children, and families in South Carolina.

This year March of Dimes advocacy efforts will be focusing on:

• A 93 cent increase to the state’s cigarette tax, which would bring South Carolina to the National average, with all of the proceeds dedicated to healthcare services for Medicaid recipients, smoking cessation programs for women, and prevention programs. The March of Dimes is part of a statewide coalition of health organizations and business leaders who want to increase the cigarette tax to be in line with the national average.
• A comprehensive state law that provides 100% smoke free policies for all indoor public places and workplaces, including restaurants and bars, to protect the health of all South Carolinians.
•  Legislation ensuring that hearing detection and treatment are available for all babies and Medicaid coverage provides for professional follow-up care after hospital discharge.

The event will feature a “drop in” breakfast for legislators from 8 to 10 AM, at the State House Complex in the Blatt Building, Room 221. Volunteers are welcome to participate in the event and meet one-on-one with elected officials about these issues.  For additional information about participating in the event call 252-5200, X13. 

Last year, the South Carolina March of Dimes invested more than $4.2 million 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.

Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish Web site at nacersano.org.

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