Press Releases

October 4, 2007                                                                                                     

Sacramento, CA - Today, U.C. Davis was named as a Study Center for the National Children’s Study (NCS). The NCS is a longitudinal study of the affect that environmental factors have on children’s health. It was the target of Bush Administration cuts earlier this year, leading Rep. Doris Matsui to advocate for its continued funding by Congress.

Rep. Matsui was instrumental in securing funding for the NCS and took the lead on sending request letters to the House and Senate Appropriations Committees and the President. She also wrote a letter of support for U.C. Davis’ application to become a Study Center. U.C. Davis is now set to begin enrolling participants in Sacramento and San Mateo Counties.

“I extend my congratulations to Dr. Hertz-Picciotto and her staff, and look forward to seeing the results of the Study come to fruition. By taking the steps to examine childhood health issues and trends now, we are working to improve the health of generations to come,” said Matsui.

The NCS will track 100,000 children from before birth to the age of 21. It will examine the effects of environmental factors on children’s health, and collect information from 105 counties nationwide. The goal of the NCS is to improve the overall status of children’s health.

Earlier this week, Rep. Matsui launched the Congressional Children’s Study Working Group with Rep. Christopher Smith. The purpose of the Working Group is to keep other Members of Congress informed on the Study, and ensure its continued success and funding.

“As Representatives, we have a vested interest in facilitating the continuation of the Children’s Study. My Working Group is designed to encourage continued engagement with the health care sector, and help keep a dynamic focus on the emerging findings of the Study,” said Matsui. “We have a real opportunity here to invest in the well-being of our children, and I will continue to advocate for the Children’s Study with my colleagues in Congress.”