WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/
-- The March of Dimes released today the following
statement from President Dr. Jennifer L.
Howse regarding Senate passage of H.R. 5325, legislation
containing funding for federal, state, tribal and local agencies to
fight the Zika virus:
"The March of Dimes applauds action tonight by the House of
Representatives to provide $1.1
billion in federal funding to protect pregnant women and
their babies from the devastating birth defects caused by Zika
virus. We are deeply thankful that Congress has finally acted
to address this crisis in public health; however, the passage of
Zika funding is only the first step down a very long road.
"The March of Dimes is proud to have led a coalition of almost
100 organizations since mid-March in an effort to educate Congress
about the dangers of Zika and press for passage of federal funding
to combat the virus. This effort included hundreds of meetings with
Congressional offices, numerous letters each signed by dozens of
organizations, op-eds and social media campaigns, and regular
conversations with Congressional leadership. The March of Dimes is
also profoundly grateful to the thousands of our volunteers and
supporters who sent messages to Congress calling for a Zika
package. These voices calling for aid have finally
been heeded.
"At this time, there are more than 2,000 pregnant women with
possible Zika infection among the 23,000 infected people in this
country, and the epidemic shows no sign of slowing. Resources are
desperately need to fund the elimination of Zika-carrying
mosquitos, development of a vaccine, and delivery of appropriate
health care to affected children and families. In the coming years,
a sustained commitment will be critical to control the spread of
Zika and deal with its aftermath.
"In a recent survey commissioned by the March of Dimes and NORC
at the University of Chicago, more than
60 percent of Americans expressed concern that the United States will see a large number of
Zika infections -- and they have good reason to worry. Although
summer has given way to fall, in some parts of the nation
mosquitoes are a year-round threat, so those communities need help
immediately. And other areas must get to work now to put the
right personnel, plans, and tools in place for next year.
"The March of Dimes #ZAPzika education campaign provides
information to consumers of all ages with five essential tips in
English at ZAPzika.org and in Spanish at
nacersano,org/zika. We will continue working tirelessly
until America's mothers and babies are protected from the dangers
of Zika virus."
About March of Dimes
The
March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy
and baby health. For more than 75 years, moms and babies have
benefited from March of Dimes research, education, vaccines, and
breakthroughs. For the latest resources and health
information, visit our websites marchofdimes.org and nacersano.org.
To participate in our annual signature fundraising event, visit
marchforbabies.org. If you have been affected by prematurity
or birth defects, visit our shareyourstory.org community to find
comfort and support. For detailed national, state and local
perinatal statistics, visit persistats.org. You can also find us on
Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
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SOURCE March of Dimes