| 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.
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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.
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Success of Initiative 901, banning smoking in public places and giving pregnant women and families the freedom to breathe clean air.
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Passing of the Federal PREEMIE Act.
Resources
To find out which lawmakers represent your district, click here. |
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Donating is easy online, by phone or mail / fax.
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JOIN THE ADVOCACY NETWORK!
We need you! The March of Dimes Washington Chapter is looking for volunteers from across the state to support our public affairs issues.
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