Spring 2001

Executive Director Serves on SD Folic Acid Council

SDAFP Executive Director, Mary Stoddard, has been asked to be a part of the SD Folic Acid Council, representing the family physicians of the state. Twenty-five different organizations are represented in the group.

The mission of the Council is to reduce birth defects by promoting the use of folic acid (by all women of childbearing age).

According to a 2000 Gallup Poll, 75% of women of childbearing age report having read or heard something about folic acid. Based on all women, only 34% say they take some type of vitamin containing folic acid on a daily basis. Another 11% say they take a vitamin containing folic acid less frequently.

A 1999 March of Dimes study of health care providers (non-random sample of academic centers with OB/GYN residency programs) showed that only 28.7% always recommend folic acid to their patients. Only 26.8% recommend it most of the time. According to the 2000 Gallup Poll, only 20% of women mention their health care provider as their source of information on folic acid.

A media kick-off will be held in early May, as the Governor has proclaimed May as Folic Acid Month in South Dakota. There will hopefully be many radio and television PSA’s, as well as news stories during that time.