March of Dimes

We were proud to be included in the Congressional Black Caucus 53rd Annual Legislative Conference this year and learn from such inspiring change makers and visionaries. Here are the highlights from some of the events that took place: 💜 Panels addressing the needs and challenges of the minority maternal health community. With discussion and action through collective impact, community involvement, maternal medical research, and digital media we can drive equitable outcomes in maternal health. 💜 Interim President and CEO, Cindy Rahman, MBA, hosts a meet & greet with policymakers, supporters and partners. 💜 Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Official's #DayOnTheHill “The Power of SHE Rally” where SVP Stacey Brayboy spoke on health justice. 💜 Joining national service partners and allies from across the country to share knowledge and camaraderie in the fight for equitable maternal and infant health. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Jack and Jill of America, Inc. #ALC53 #HealthEquity #MaternalHealth #InfantHealth 

“We are the closest hospital for four counties in this area. We know that women who have to travel farther for care are at a higher risk for adverse perinatal outcomes.” Dr. L. Joy Baker shares her experience as a OB-GYN working at a hospital in a county with low access to maternity care. Her story underscores the broader issue of maternity care deserts in America: Where you live matters. For millions of families across the US, the ability to have a healthy pregnancy depends on the community they live in. The latest maternity care deserts report from March of Dimes, 2024, Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts in the US, reveals that accessing quality maternity care is near impossible, and worsening, for too many families, creating potentially dangerous outcomes for moms and babies and fueling the maternal and infant health crisis. Learn about access to maternity care where you live, and how you can take action to help all families get access to care: https://lnkd.in/gJ-hnEkn

“There’s been a significant uptick in, say, the last five years in terms of hospitals closing their obstetric units, with staff shortages, poor reimbursements, low birth volumes, all of those are influencing the hospital’s decision to close obstetric units and leaving patients with very limited choices about where they can have their delivery,” said Dr. Amanda Williams, Interim Chief Medical Officer. Read more in CNN's coverage of our latest report Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts in the US https://lnkd.in/epJTKd2v #MaternityCareCrisis #MaternalHealth

Our latest national report on maternity care access in the United States reveals a stark reality; where you live matters when it comes to the options available for maternity care. While some progress has been made to increase access to care, such as expanding and extending Medicaid, we continue to witness steady reports of obstetric unit closures and workforce shortages. In fact, 1 in every 25 obstetric units in the US shuttered their doors in the last 2 years, resulting in fewer choices, increased stress, and greater travel times for birthing people. The 2024 Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts in the US report reveals that over 35% of counties are considered maternity care deserts. This means that in 1,104 US counties, there is not a single birthing facility or obstetric clinician. These counties are home to over 2.3 million women of reproductive age and are the resident county of women who gave birth to over 150,000 babies in 2022. Learn about access to maternity care where you live, and how you can take action to help all families get access to care: https://lnkd.in/gJ-hnEkn

Aleeshia Huguley has a high-risk pregnancy in a county with low access to maternity care. She and her husband Serkeith, are concerned about being so far away from the only birthing hospital in their area—which serves four surrounding counties. Aleeshia and Serkeith’s story underscores the broader issue of maternity care deserts in America. Where you live matters. For millions of families across the US, the ability to have a healthy pregnancy depends on the community they live in. The latest maternity care deserts report from March of Dimes, 2024 Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts in the US, reveals that accessing quality maternity care is near impossible, and worsening, for too many families, creating potentially dangerous outcomes for moms and babies and fueling the maternal and infant health crisis. Learn about access to maternity care where you live, and how you can take action to help all families get access to care: https://lnkd.in/gJ-hnEkn

Today, we celebrate NICU Family Support® Program Coordinator Day! Thank you to all of the March of Dimes NICU Family Support® program coordinators at hospitals across the country, like Harris Health LBJ Hospital, who educate NICU staff and support families through evidence-based programs and resources, while babies are in the NICU and during their transition home. Each year in the US, 1 in 10 babies is born preterm and many end up in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Babies may also spend their earliest days in the NICU due to a birth defects, surgical or genetic conditions, or other diagnosis. This #NICUAwarenessMonth, join us in supporting families who experience having a baby in the NICU, and thanking the NICU staff who make all the difference in their journey. Learn more about March of Dimes NICU Initiatives at https://lnkd.in/ggSrJb2r

Today, we celebrate NICU Family Support® Program Coordinator Day! Thank you to all of the March of Dimes NICU Family Support® program coordinators at hospitals across the country, who educate NICU staff and support families through evidence-based programs and resources, while babies are in the NICU and during their transition home. Each year in the US, 1 in 10 babies is born preterm and many end up in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Babies may also spend their earliest days in the NICU due to a birth defects, surgical or genetic conditions, or other diagnosis. This #NICUAwarenessMonth, join us in supporting families who experience having a baby in the NICU, and thanking the NICU staff who make all the difference in their journey. Learn more about March of Dimes NICU Initiatives at https://lnkd.in/ggSrJb2r

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded over $558 million to improve maternal health through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSAgov), HHS Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Enhancing Reviews and Surveillance to Eliminate Maternal Mortality (ERASE MM) program, which funds Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs) in 46 states and 6 U.S. territories through grants. MMRCs are vital to identifying, reviewing, and characterizing pregnancy-related deaths and identifying prevention opportunities. Learn more about the announcement and these vital MIH programs: https://lnkd.in/eXM2b-Qb You can support MMRCs by writing Congress in support of the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, which reauthorizes these important and live-saving committees! https://lnkd.in/gJZ9cS4b

We would like to thank the leadership of Ted Finucan, Chair of the 25th Annual Charleston Feeding Motherhood Signature Chef’s Auction this November. Ted currently serves as Managing Partner for Davis Supply of Charleston.   "While my journey into parenthood was relatively smooth, I recognize that many other families face unexpected challenges. Supporting #MarchofDimes and chairing this year’s event is a way to extend compassion and solidarity to those families, and every dollar we raise is another step closer in improving the well-being of moms and babies in our community. As chair, my objective is to organize a memorable, enjoyable and flavorful event, leaving attendees with lasting impressions and generating crucial funds for March of Dimes’ vital work in South Carolina and across the country," Ted shared. Join Ted at the Charleston Signature Chefs Auction on Thursday November 21, 2024 at 6:30pm at the Charleston Marriott in Charleston, SC for a night of culinary excellence, silent and live auctions, the Bill Hall Legacy Award presentation, Fund the Mission paddle raises and more – all while raising funds to help moms and babies in our communities. To learn more about the event or to become a sponsor, please visit:  https://lnkd.in/gSjccqJ4

The Shaver family had a micro-preemie, Elodie, born at 24 weeks, weighing 1 lb., 7.5 oz. After 123 days, Lea and David took Elodie home, leaving behind the beeping monitors and sterile hospital corridors once and for all. “The nurses and doctors lined in the hallway and did a graduation parade for her,” Lea shares. “And it was one of the happiest moments I've ever had.” Today, Lea and David share their story not only to celebrate Elodie's miraculous journey but also to shed light on the work March of Dimes does. “I know it’s just a matter of time before March of Dimes scientists uncover the causes of preterm birth, both early preterm birth like mine and later term preterm birth, around which there are even more questions,” Lea says—now spending much of her free time collecting donations, advocating for change, and raising awareness about the maternal and infant health crisis. Each year in the US, 1 in 10 babies is born preterm and many end up in the NICU. Your support helps us fund research to determine the causes and preventions of preterm birth and continue providing support for families like the Shavers during their NICU stay. Though the cause of Elodie’s preterm birth remains unknown, Lea is hopeful that March of Dimes research can help more moms have full-term pregnancies—and answers if they don’t. She adds: “I want the same opportunities for every single mom and baby in America, and I think with the work of March of Dimes, we can get there. I know we can.” For more than 20 years, March of Dimes has offered support and education to families with a baby in the NICU and as they transition home. This #NICUAwarenessMonth, learn more at https://lnkd.in/gAzb4x9f