| The South Carolina Chapter held the 2008 Lobby Day Wednesday February 13th at the State House. This annual event is a unique opportunity for volunteers from around the state to talk one-on-one with legislators about issues important to the health of moms and babies.
This year, over 50 legislators were in attendance. Volunteers who attended included board members, nurses, partnering agencies, and families affected by preterm birth. Robin Price and her 6-year old son Jay were among those in attendance. Jay is hearing impaired and he, along with his mother, talked with legislators to advocate for the importance of newborn hearing screening for all babies and increased follow-up support for South Carolina’s hearing impaired children. Volunteers also discussed the importance of increasing the cigarette tax with revenue to fund Medicaid expansion and maternal and child health programs, as well as supporting local smoke-free ordinances. The whole room clapped when Representative Skipper Perry wheeled in on his Segway and then took little Jay Price for a ride around the room. As Jay learned, advocating for moms and babies really is exciting!
Join us next year’s 2009 Lobby Day—date announcement and more information coming soon!
Click here to view photos from this event.
If you are interested in becoming involved in March of Dimes advocacy efforts to improve the health of moms and babies, please join our advocacy network by clicking here.
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