Pulse Ox: A Simple, Non-Invasive Test that Saves Lives

We need your help.  The bill to screen babies for heart defects needs to be placed on a committee agenda.  With two simple calls, you can help all babies have a healthy start.  This simple test called pulse ox, consists of sensors placed on a baby’s hand and foot to check low blood oxygen levels - a significant indicator of heart issues in babies.  New research suggests wider use of pulse ox screening could help identify more than 90 percent of heart defects.  In New Jersey, just hours after their law took effect, a newborn’s life was saved.

We now have lots of sponsors for the bill to ensure all babies are screened for heart defects with a simple pulse ox test.  The next step?  Placing it on a committee agenda.  We know many lawmakers will support this bill…but we don't know when or if it will come up for a vote so we need your help!

 Phone Call blitz for this Wednesday

Will you make two simple calls to help all babies have a healthy start?  We are asking everyone to make two simple calls today to help the pulse ox bill move out of committee.  It’s easy… You will simply leave a message and can use the notes below. 

 Call Senator Kemp Hannon at 518-455-2200

• Hello my name is….
• I’m a NYS resident and calling to urge you to place the pulse ox bill on the next Committee agenda
• If they ask you for the bill number, it is S270.

Call Assembly Member *** Gottfried at 518-455-4941

• Hello my name is….
• I’m a NYS resident and calling to urge you to place the pulse ox bill on the next Committee agenda
• If they ask you for the bill number, it is A2316

Additional Talking Points:

• If we can help save a child’s life, shouldn’t we? With pulse ox screening, it really is as simple as that.
• Pulse ox is quick and painless, but more importantly, it can save lives.
• Before a baby leaves the hospital, the pulse ox screening helps identify heart defects, potentially saving its life.
• Eleven other states now call for babies to be screened using pulse oximetry.  Why not NYS?
• Wider use of pulse ox screening could help identify more than 90 percent of heart defects.
• Congenital heart defects (CHD), are the most common birth defect in the U.S. and the leading killer of infants with birth defects.
• The simple, low-cost test, pulse oximetry, or pulse ox, consists of sensors placed on a baby’s hand and foot to check low blood oxygen levels - a significant indicator of heart issues in babies. 
• In New Jersey, just hours after their law took effect, a newborn’s life was saved. 

 Let us know you made the calls and how they go by replying to this blog!