Jim Kelly Addresses PA Senate
Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly made a visit to the Pennsylvania State Senate today to push for additional testing for newborn babies.
The Newborn Child Testing Act (House Bill 883) would expand Pennsylvania’s existing newborn screening program to include the 29 “core” treatable conditions recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and endorsed by the March of Dimes and American Academy of Pediatrics.
"What we're trying to do is make sure every single state out there gives these kids a chance to dream," Kelly said on the senate floor. "When I was a little boy, I was able to dream about playing in the National Football League. My dream came true. But unfortunately, thousands and thousands of babies die every single year because they're born in the wrong state."
The bill was approved unanimously by the House, and the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, and is awaiting action by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
When Kelly's son Hunter was born, New York only did 11 tests for newborns. Thanks to the efforts of Kelly, and the Hunter's Hope Foundation, New York now does 45 tests on newborns.
Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) joins Football Hall of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly, center, and Representative George Kenney at a press conference to urge members of the legislature to approve and fund the Newborn Child Testing Act. The bill would require hospitals to screen newborns for 20 new genetic conditions that are serious but treatable if caught early.
(Photo Courtesy of Senate Republican Communications)
The Newborn Child Testing Act (House Bill 883) would expand Pennsylvania’s existing newborn screening program to include the 29 “core” treatable conditions recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and endorsed by the March of Dimes and American Academy of Pediatrics.
"What we're trying to do is make sure every single state out there gives these kids a chance to dream," Kelly said on the senate floor. "When I was a little boy, I was able to dream about playing in the National Football League. My dream came true. But unfortunately, thousands and thousands of babies die every single year because they're born in the wrong state."
The bill was approved unanimously by the House, and the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee, and is awaiting action by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
When Kelly's son Hunter was born, New York only did 11 tests for newborns. Thanks to the efforts of Kelly, and the Hunter's Hope Foundation, New York now does 45 tests on newborns.
Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny) joins Football Hall of Fame Quarterback Jim Kelly, center, and Representative George Kenney at a press conference to urge members of the legislature to approve and fund the Newborn Child Testing Act. The bill would require hospitals to screen newborns for 20 new genetic conditions that are serious but treatable if caught early.
(Photo Courtesy of Senate Republican Communications)
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