Staff Reports
The Department of Health on Thursday celebrated its 50th year of providing free screening to newborns in Florida.
On hand to mark the occasion was Florida first lady Ann Scott, who accompanied a handful of families and department staff to gather at the Old Capitol Building in Tallahassee to offer their praise of the DOH’s screening services, which are free for Medicaid recipients.
“We are committed to ensuring all babies have the best start in life,” Deputy Secretary Dr. Celeste Philip said via news release Thursday. “The Newborn Screening Program tests for 53 medical conditions allowing babies and their families to get the treatment they need early on to increase their chances of a healthy, happy life.”
The program has screened about 7 million babies since being enacted by the Legislature in Gov. Haydon Burns in 1965.
“Florida’s 50th anniversary of newborn screening is a very special milestone for families in our state,” Scott said. “Our children are the future, and as a mother and a grandmother, I’m delighted that we are so committed to providing them the best opportunities for long-term health.”
“Newborn screening is an integral part of ensuring that children born into growing Florida families have the best start in life,” Agency for Health Care Administration Secretary Liz Dudek said. “We are proud to provide Florida Medicaid recipients access to this important service.”
