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Issues and Priorities
March of Dimes public affairs efforts focus on national and state policies and programs that relate to our mission - improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. We are also involved in issues that affect non-profit organizations.
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 contact: 
Washington Director of Program Services
(206) 624-1373
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.
Washington Advocacy Issues and 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 babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality -- and on issues that pertain to non-profit organizations.

The advocacy priorities for the Washington State Chapter in 2007 are:

  • Expand newborn screening in Washington to include the 29 disorders in the March of Dimes core panel and seek long-term solutions for treatment.
    --The passing of SB 5930 and a general funds allocation for specialty clinics ensures that treatment programs are available for families whose baby has a disorder found through newborn screening.   
  • Improve access to health coverage for pregnant women, women of childbearing age, infants and children.
    --Success!  SB 5093 has passed! This children's health legislation includes additional health coverage options for families, initiatives to expand access to doctors, quality incentives and the establishment of "medical homes".
  • Ensure funding for smoking cessation programs for pregnant women and women of childbearing age.
    --$50 million was allocated in the Governor's supplemental budget to continue cessation services. Additionally, state agencies will examine best practices for chronic care, including reducing the smoking rate.
  • Examine current health coverage policies and look for ways to cover women preconceptionally to help reduce prematurity rates.
    --This year the March of Dimes will lead the formation of a Preconception Care Council to help, among other things, formulate strategies and policy decisions in this arena.

2005-2006 Successes

The past efforts of our Advocacy Network Volunteers have paid off!  In the last two years March of Dimes volunteers helped secure the following victories for Washington families:

  • An increase of the specialty clinic fee for the 2005-2007 biennium to help support the extremely specialized care needed to treat disorders caught through the newborn screening program.
  • Passing of House Bill 1441, halting the decline of insured children and allowing 37,000 more children to receive health care this biennium.

  • Funding for the Children's Health Program, allowing immigrant children access to health care coverage.

  • Governor Gregoire's executive order allowing 26,800 children to remain covered on Medicaid by delaying premiums and extending eligibility reviews to 12-months.
  • The addition of Cystic Fibrosis to the newborn screening panel.

  • Success of Initiative 901, banning smoking in public places and giving pregnant women and families the freedom to breathe clean air.

  • Passing of the Federal PREEMIE Act.

Resources

To find out which lawmakers represent your district, click here.



Advocacy Update Newsletters
MARCH OF DIMES STATEMENT ON NEWBORN SCREENING REPORT


Ask members of Congress to sponsor the Preemie Act.