Help Us Protect Montana Babies

 

Guest Blogger: Amanda Andrews, Montana Government Relations Director

The American Heart Association, along with the March of Dimes and the Department of Health and Human Services, is currently working to pass an administrative rule that makes pulse oximetry screening mandatory for all newborns born in our state. We need your help to make sure this rule is adopted, click here to tell decision makers that you support this test for all Montana newborns.

Each year more than 12,000 babies are born in Montana. Critical Congenital Heart Defects (CCHDs) are the number one birth defect in newborns affecting 1 in 100 babies and accounting for nearly 30% of infant deaths due to birth defects.  But there is an inexpensive, non-invasive screening tool available that saves lives: pulse oximetry. 

Pulse oximetry is quick and inexpensive; a small strap is placed around the baby’s foot to measure their heart rate and blood oxygen.  Most hospitals in Montana already conduct this screening but 7 hospitals do not. If this rule is adopted all babies would be screened so parents know when they take their baby home that he or she has a healthy heart.

We need your voice as we work on this important issue. Public comment is being taken right now and we need you to tell decision makers you support this policy. Please click here and take the time to help protect all Montana babies!

 

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