Virginia Advocacy Issues and Priorities
An advocate is a person who defends causes for other people. As the champion for babies, the March of Dimes campaigns to improve the health of women, babies and children; we defend the needs of children born with birth defects; and, we speak out to decrease the number of infant deaths. You can join us in carrying out our lifesaving mission!
Never underestimate the power of your involvement in advocacy for mothers and babies. Legislators tell us for every call or letter they receive from a constituent, they assume there are ten people concerned about the same issue.
Here are a few of our Virginia Chapter Issues & Priorities, and a number of our advocacy WINS, too!
Gov. Kaine announces historic drop in Infant Mortality Rate - August 2009, Join the March of Dimes Virginia Chapter in celebrating 138 babies saved in 2008!
On Aug.4, Governor Kaine announced that infant mortality rates in Virginia have been reduced to the lowest levels in the state's history. He also announced that rates for African Americans also fell to a historic low at the press conference.
The latest figures show that Virginia's overall infant mortality rate - calculated by the number of deaths during the first year of life per 1,000 live births - was 6.7 last year, down from a 10-year high of 7.7 in 2007. This is a 16% decrease. Infant mortality rates also declined among African American populations, dropping from 15.5 deaths in 2007 to 12.2 deaths last year. This is a 20% decrease.
This means that 138 babies did not die in 2008 as compared with 2007. Also, there were 22 less SIDS/SUDI deaths in that number.
The Virginia and Maryland-National Capital Area chapters were present for a press conference (see Va.Chapter Dirctor of Program Services Sara Long to RIGHT of Gov. in photo above). The March of Dimes was commended by the Governor for helping achieve this goal and for its important work with his Governor's Infant Mortality Initiative.
HEALTH CARE REFORM and the MARCH OF DIMES - Aug. 2009, The March of Dimes is deeply engaged with Congress and the Obama Administration to make sure the health needs of women, infants and childrenare addressed in health care reform deliberations. Click here to see what we are doing about this important national issue!
VA CHAPTER GRANT RECIPIENT WINS NATIONAL AWARD - July 2009, The M.A.D.R.E.S. program, Maternal Access to Dental-related premature birth Risk reduction Education and Services, a March of Dimes Virginia Chapter grant recipient was recently selected to receive a 2009 National Association of Counties Achievement Award. Click here to read all about this outstanding program!
FAMIS MOMS EXPANDED - July 2009, During the 2008 General Assembly session, one of the successful “wins” of the VA Chapter Board of Public Affairs Committee was to increase eligibility for FAMIS Moms from 185% to 200% FPL(federal poverty level). Click here for details about the FAMIS Moms program.
The March of Dimes supports access to health care for women of childbearing age, infants and children. FAMIS Moms is Virginia’s program under the State Children’s Health Insurance Priogram which gets matching dollars from the federal budget. A 200% FPL equals $41,300 for a family of four. This expansion would cover an approximate additional 400 women with maternity care coverage in Virginia.
The General Assembly approved the budget increase eligibility effective July 2009, which is now in effect.
SMOKING BAN SIGNED - March 9, 2009, 
Governor Kaine joined by health advocates, legislative patrons, and other stake holders – including representatives from the Virginia Chapter of the March of Dimes – signed legislation from the 2009 General Assembly session that banned smoking in restaurants throughout the Commonwealth. Click here for full details.
2009 LOBBY DAY EVENTS - January 28, 2009, Governor Tim Kaine,of Virginia declares the date MARCH OF DIMES KATELYN MARIE HALL DAY AT THE CAPITOL in honor of the National March of Dimes Ambassador, Katelyn Hall, from Leesburg, VA.
Katelyn was joined at the Virginia General Assembly 2009 LOBBY DAY by her family and March of Dimes volunteers and staff from across the Commonwealth. The visit raised awareness and symbolized hope for premature babies and their parents everywhere. Click here for more Lobby Day photos. Click here for the Proclamation.
Gathered for Lobby Day 2009 are (back row L to R) Richmond City Deputy Sheriff C.T. Woody, Chris Dore’, Michael & Ashley Hall; (front) Cody Dore’ and Katelyn Hall. 
Cody – the Top Youth Walker in the Virginia Chapter, 2009 - and his mother, Chris, participate in the Eastern Shore MFB event, Greater Hampton Roads Division. The Halls, from Leesburg, VA, are the National March of Dimes Ambassador Family.
2009 PUBLIC AFFAIRS ISSUES & ADVOCACY PRIORITIES ANNOUNCED - Jan. 1, 2009, Click here for full report.
OTHER ISSUES & PRIORITIES IN VIRGINIA:
