Washington, DC -- U.S. Congressman Sherrod Brown (D-OH), the top Democrat on the Health and Environment Subcommittee, today announced Ohio will receive $107,228 in grants to implement newborn hearing screening and intervention programs.  Ohio will use the funds to create the infrastructure needed to screen 95 percent of newborns before they are discharged from the hospital.

     "I can't think of a more worthwhile investment than our children's future.  Everyday approximately 33 babies are born with significant hearing loss.  Delayed detection can delay speech and language development, affecting a child's social, emotional, and academic growth.  This grant will make sure children with hearing loss have every available tool to learn and grow," Brown said.

     The Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Act was signed into law last year, providing three years of funding for states to implement hearing detection programs for newborns.  Brown is a sponsor of the Children's Health, Research, and Prevention Amendments Act which includes a provision to extend funding for the program from three to five years.  This year, the Health Resources and Services Administration has awarded $7 million to 22 states, including Ohio.  These funds are expected to be a catalyst to advance screening and intervention programs for all newborns.

     Ohio currently tests "at-risk" newborns with conditions such as low birth weight, family history, and specific medical conditions, leaving over half of infants with hearing loss unidentified.  The Ohio Maternal and Child Health Program will use the monies to provide screening, develop an education program for professionals and the public, and create a tracking system to assure children receive intervention services before six months of age.