Pulse-Ox Screening for All Newborns

NEWS via PdHeart:

Dear Members,

It is with great joy and excitement that I am writing to
let you know that this afternoon, the Secretary’s Advisory
Committee on Heritable Disorders in Newborns & Children
(ACHDNC)voted to recommend that pulse oximetry screening
for critical congenital heart disease be added to the
newborn screening uniform panel!!!

The recommendation now gets passed up to Secretary Sebelius
for review and approval. We're almost there!

AnnaMarie Saarinen just called with the news. She has
worked tirelessly to advocate for early diagnosis and
screening and has effectively spearheaded this important
effort. You can follow her blogs on http://1in100.org

Thank-you AnnaMarie for your hard work and determination.
Thanks also to Dr Gerard Martin who REALLY listened to my
impassioned pleas and worked so hard to implement model
screening programs. I tearfully and joyfully post
Annamarie's message below:

"‎At 2:40 eastern time today, the national committee
on newborn screening voted to YES to recommend pulse
oximetry screening for critical congenital heart disease be
added to the newborn screening uniform panel. I don't even
know what to say right now...still in shock. Was not
anticipating vote until January. Have to hug Eve and have a
major cry right now. It's due time...all babies are finally
going to be screened before discharge. Policy priority #1:
DONE!!!!!"

This is indeed a red letter day for all of us.

Our voices are being heard and yes, we CAN make a
difference!

My love to you all,
Mona