February 22, 2007

REP. DILLON WORKS TO PROTECT NEW HAVEN INFANTS

Representative Patricia Dillon (D-New Haven) testified before the legislature’s Public Health Committee in support of a critical fetal and infant mortality program. The Legislation (HB 5076) codifies an existing program to reduce infant mortality under the umbrella of the Department of Public Health (DPH). The DPH is currently threatening to end to program and shift research to the University of Connecticut.

The fetal and infant mortality review program is one of a cluster of maternal and child health programs Rep. Jack Thompson (D-Manchester) and Rep. Dillon established in the early 1990’s after it was reported that New Haven had the highest infant mortality rate in the country (10 U.S. Cities With Highest Infant Mortality Rates, Washington Post, 3/12/1991). At the time the state was paying $1 million to hospitalize babies born early, but there were limited prevention efforts targeting pregnant women.

Rep. Dillon said, “I'm not just trying to protect money to New Haven - it's a tiny amount - I'm trying to protect New Haven's children. This program is community based prevention and should be supported.”

Fetal and infant mortality review programs, in their current incarnation, exist in New Haven, Manchester, New Britain, and Hartford.

Maria Damiani, Director of Women’s Health in the New Haven Health Department also testified in support of the bill.

Representative Dillon was first elected to the General Assembly in 1984. She is an Assistant Majority Leader and serves on the Appropriations, Higher Education and Judiciary committees.