Advocacy Network
The Advocacy Network is made up of volunteers and staff who promote the March of Dimes mission agenda by contacting the governor and state legislators in response to Chapter action alerts.

 

If you are interested in becoming a public affairs volunteer, or being part of the advocacy network, please email 
Tamara Currin, Tennessee Lead Public Affairs Staff.  

Public Policy Research
One of the responsibilities of the March of Dimes Office of Government Affairs is to direct public policy studies that support national and Chapter advocacy priorities.

Tennessee Advocacy Issues and Priorities
Recent Legislative SuccessesIn collaboration with our advocacy partners, the following legislative successes were secured to protect the health of mothers and babies in Tennessee. 

• In 2009, the Chapter worked collaboratively to maintain $9.8 million in the state budget for moms and babies for a number of maternal and child health programs.  At risk was $6.8 million under TennCare that would have impacted the five Regional Perinatal Centers ($2.3 million), the Women’s Health Study ($3 million), and the Infant Mortality Initiative ($1.5 million).  In addition, funding for Healthy Start ($3 million) was also protected.  As a result, over 10,000 women will receive prenatal care through the Centering Pregnancy® model; 15,000 pregnant women will have access to smoking cessation services; and almost 3,500 mothers and babies will receive home visitation services. In addition, over 17,000 babies will receive care at the five regional perinatal centers.
• Added mandatory hearing screening to the core 29 newborn screenings in 2008. Hearing Screening Bill Signing
• Passed the Statewide Smoking Ban in 2007 to protect mothers and babies from second hand smoke exposure.
• Passed a 42 cent tobacco tax increase in 2007 bringing our tax on cigarettes from 20 cents to 62 cents per pack.

2009 Tobacco Tax Map

• Secured funding in the state budget for smoking cessation initiatives for pregnant women and youth.

2008 Public Affairs Chapter of the Year

2010 Legislative Priorities   The March of Dimes Tennessee Chapter and our advocacy partners advocate for healthy babies in Tennessee by promoting legislation and regulatory initiatives that benefit the health of mothers and babies.  In 2010, the chapter will work toward initiatives related to smoking, substance abuse, prematurity, and access the health care.   2010 National Public Affairs Priorities

2009 Healthy Babies Day on the Hill  On March 4, Eighty-one Chapter volunteers and staff dressed in shades of purple visited 132 legislative offices to promote smoke-free initiatives, improvement of pregnancy outcomes for infants, and continuation of initiatives benefiting the health of pregnant women and children.  Our group which included representatives from the Tennessee Perinatal Association, the Association of Women’s Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, and the Tennessee Initiative for Perinatal Quality Care was recognized in the Senate General Welfare, Health, and Human Resources committee and heard from Medicaid representatives and other community leaders in the afternoon.  Media representatives attended a visit with a mission family and highlighted the Day on the Hill activities in the evening news report.   To make your voice heard in TN, join our advocacy network.  Click Here