State
Senator David J. Cappiello (R-Danbury) was recently honored
by the March of Dimes at a dinner on November 18th at the
Aqua Turf Club in Southington for his ongoing legislative
work in the General Assembly for newborn babies. Specifically,
representatives from the March of Dimes noted his leadership
that led to the passage of the Newborn Screening Bill during
last year’s legislative session. The bill was signed
into law by Governor John Rowland on June 7th, and the expanded
testing began October 1st.
“I
am touched to have the March of Dimes recognize me in this
way,” said Senator Cappiello. “However, the
true winners are the children who receive more comprehensive
treatment because of this law, along with their families.
I know personally the horrific consequences of an undiagnosed
metabolic disorder, and it is my hope that these new treatment
methods will spare other families the heartache and help
babies grow up to live happy, healthy lives.”
Sen. Cappiello
has been a major advocate for expanded newborn screening
ever since his nephew became gravely ill in 2000 from L-CHAD
that had not been diagnosed.
The new law expands
the screening of newborns for metabolic disorders from eight
named conditions, which include phenylketonuria and hypothyroidism.
In addition to the original eight, newborns are now tested
for M-CAD and L-CHAD, which are genetic deficiencies that
result in an inability to break down fatty acids as a usable
energy source, along with other amino acid, organic acid,
and fatty acid oxidation disorders. Most can be treated
with diet changes, only if they are diagnosed properly.
The law also sets a minimum $28 fee the state Department
of Public Health can charge hospitals for its newborn screening
program that includes initial testing, tracking designed
to assure that infants who initially test positive are referred
for comprehensive testing and parent counseling, and treatment.
The March of
Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission
is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects
and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes
funds programs of research, community services, education,
and advocacy to save babies. For more information, visit
the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com, its
Spanish Web site at www.nacersano.org, or call 1-888-MODIMES.
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