LETTERS: CHILDREN'S HEALTH GETS A BIG BOOST

To the editor:

Having celebrated Mother's Day recently, this area is fortunate to have a representative in Washington who truly cares about mothers and children

U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson was key to obtaining approval of the Children's Health Act of 2000, which passed the House on May 9 by a vote of 419-2. If the Senate follows suit and approves the bill, our country's ability to prevent birth defects and disabilities in infants and children would be greatly strengthened.

Among the lengthy list of beneficial provisions included in the Children's Health Act, several are especially important to the March of Dimes. They include the pediatric research initiative at the National Institutes of Health, the proposal to establish a National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the provisions that authorize a national folic acid campaign.

Emerson should be applauded for her efforts to improve the health of America's mothers and children.

JAY PURCELL

Public Affairs Chairman

Southeast Missouri Division March of Dimes

Cape Girardeau