ADHS
News Release:
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National Report Card Gives Arizona High Ranking for Screening Newborns for Deadly Disorders |
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE –
July 11, 2006 |
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| Contact: |
Mary Ehlert, ADHS Public Information Officer (602) 364-1201, cell (602) 721-0532 |
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A new national report card lauds Arizona’s expansion of its newborn screening program – and places Arizona among leading states for screening infants for potentially deadly disorders.
Governor Janet Napolitano, the Legislature and the Arizona Department of Health Services have worked to substantially expand screening tests for newborn babies. Beginning in September, the State Health Laboratory will begin screening for 27 disorders, up from 8 tests in 2005. Pilot testing for cystic fibrosis will begin in early 2007.
The increased number of screenings will earn the state the highest ranking on the March of Dimes Newborn Screening Report Card. For the past four years, March of Dimes has analyzed state-by-state newborn screening requirements, creating a snapshot of the nation’s progress toward improving the health of newborns. The Report Card groups states into three categorizes – red states, which screen for fewer than 10 conditions; yellow states, which screen for 10-20 of the conditions, and green states, which screen for more than 20 conditions. In September, Arizona will be elevated to green, the highest level.
“We are protecting more Arizona children than ever before from illness and disease,” said Department of Health Services Director Susan Gerard
“ADHS has worked closely with the Governor’s Office, the Legislature, the March of Dimes, concerned parents, and other partners to elevate the number of screenings here,” said Jeanette Shea-Ramirez, Deputy Assistant Director for Public Health at ADHS.
Newborn screening is done by testing a few drops of blood, usually from a newborn’s heel, before hospital discharge. A positive result does not always mean the infant has the disorder. If a screening result is positive, the infant is re-tested and then given treatment as soon as possible, before becoming seriously ill from the condition. Treatments are available for every disorder screened and early identification and treatment can improve or save the life of affected babies.
Jeanette Shea-Ramirez is available for interviews.
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