March of Dimes

If you are local to the San Francisco Bay area, we invite you to join us tomorrow Thursday November 7th, 2024 for March of Dimes, “Celebrating Innovation” event. A time to recognize and celebrate those who are harnessing technology and innovation to make a lasting difference in our communities. Join us to learn how the Bay Area’s top innovators are tackling some of the biggest health issues facing moms and babies in our country.    Hear from March of Dimes Interim Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Amanda Williams, Dr. David Stevenson, Head of March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Stanford University and Dr. Marina Sirota Head of March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at UCSF as well as many others who are working diligently to improve the health of all moms and babies.     In attendance will also be the McAlpine family, the event’s Ambassador Family. “I'm deeply committed to this event because I experienced firsthand the critical importance of early intervention and specialized care during my high-risk pregnancy. By supporting March of Dimes, I hope to help ensure other families have access to the same lifesaving education and resources that helped my daughter and me.” Lauren McAlpine shared.     To learn more about the event, to read more about the McAlpine’s mission story or to donate please visit, https://lnkd.in/eU8BpUwR

Ashley O’Neil was happily 21 weeks #pregnant when she woke up from a nap to study—she was in nurse practitioner school. She was suddenly experiencing vaginal bleeding, and called the OB-GYN, who told her to just monitor it. However, it was getting worse. She and her husband, Jorge, went to the ER and Ashley was immediately brought up to the labor and delivery unit. Within seconds, her world was turned upside down. The small community hospital didn’t have the resources to handle such an early #pretermbirth. After a frantic ground transfer during a storm to a hospital nearly two hours away, their son Vinson was born. Tragically, he passed away shortly after birth. For a wealthy country, the US is a dangerous place for childbirth—but it’s not equally risky for all moms and babies. Black women experience a preterm birth rate 55% higher than other women, with their babies 2.4 times more likely to die compared to White women. These statistics highlight alarming trends and health equity gaps, endangering Black women's well-being. Two years later, Ashley and Jorge tried for another baby. After undergoing IVF, Ashley became pregnant with Kolin in early 2019. “Because of my previous loss, I was more closely monitored while I was pregnant with Kolin,” Ashley says. Despite these efforts, Ashley went into preterm labor at 24 weeks. She had an emergency Cesarean delivery, yet faced another crisis because the small community hospital was unprepared for her baby’s fragile condition. Kolin’s journey has been full of therapy sessions, medical procedures, and multiple hospital stays. Diagnosed with cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, food allergies, seizures, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Just seven months after Kolin came home from the NICU, tragedy struck again when Jorge passed away, leaving Ashley to navigate the challenges of single parenthood. “Seeing Kolin’s fight and progress, despite the struggles, gives me strength,” Ashley shared. Today, Ashley actively supports March of Dimes for our work to end preventable maternal health risks, end preterm birth and infant death, and close the health equity gap. She inspires others with her strength, determination, and advocacy, and continues to raise awareness and offer hope to families facing similar trials. You, too, can advocate for moms and babies this #PrematurityAwarenessMonth. Call on legislators to pass The #PREEMIE Reauthorization Act of 2023. Take action at https://p2a.co/kyzgeg7 #BlanketChange

We excited to share that we just launched our annual fundraising campaign at Circle K stores in 19 states across the Midwest, Great Lakes, Heartland and West Coast divisions! Be sure to tell the cashier at checkout you’d like to make a donation for moms and babies while topping off the tank or picking up some snacks every time you visit between now and November 30. For a full list of locations, visit https://lnkd.in/g-GB8nBn

Each year in the US, 1 in 10 babies is born preterm. We all have a role to play in solving the prematurity crisis in the US. Take action now to improve outcomes for all moms and babies 💜 Share information about preterm birth and elevate how you can be part of solving the prematurity crisis. 💜 Donate today to help fund lifesaving research and community programs that keep families healthy and strong at marchofdimes.org/donate 💜 Partner with March of Dimes to bring greater awareness and resources to fight the maternal and infant health crisis in the US at marchofdimes.org/partner

This week, we hosted several of our National Service Partners at our national headquarters in Arlington, VA. Leaders from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Official, the Divine Nine, and numerous national service organizations joined us to discuss and advance the movement to eradicate the maternal and infant health crisis in the U.S. Special thank you to March of Dimes Ambassador Family Elizabeth Kemp Caulder, her husband Ronald, and sons William and David who shared their emotional story of loss. Elizabeth shared that Ronald has been her rock and her life line in navigating grief and turning their pain to action through advocacy. She wanted to highlight that while it’s essential to have a focus on moms, people’s partners and their communities of support have such an important role. Attendees also participated in an act of service, by filling self-care kits for pregnant moms who will utilize the services of our Mom & Baby Mobile Health unit here in DC before receiving a quick tour of the unit itself! A huge thank you to all who attended and those who continue to fight with us for the health of all moms and babies. We are grateful to our partners who continue to inspire us with their dedication and passion. Together, we’re building healthier tomorrows for families everywhere. Thank you! Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Chi Eta Phi Sorority Inc Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Gamma Sigma Sigma Sorority Inc Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Jack and Jill of America, Inc. National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The Links, Incorporated Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Tri Sigma National Sorority

Calling Community-Based Organizations and collaborating maternity care hospitals in California, Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, and New York. March of Dimes, with generous support from the CVS Health Foundation, is continuing their multi-year equitable access to doula care project scheduled to launch in Spring 2025. Successful awardees will support project activities focused on: 1. Growing, diversifying, and supporting the local community-based doula workforce. 2. Strengthening and/or establishing the local doula hub model. 3. Improving collaboration between community-based doulas and their local maternity care system partner. Deadline is November 24, 2024. Apply: https://lnkd.in/eK7zMcXF

Ever wonder why a specific type of bacteria called Lactobacillus Crispatus, which is found in the vaginal microbiome, is protective against preterm birth? So did our researchers at the March of Dimes Prematurity Research Center at Imperial College London. They found that a special shield, like a body armor, around the bacteria prevents it from causing inflammation that could trigger preterm birth. This knowledge sets the foundation for future research that could lead to a targeted vaginal probiotic, a screening test for preterm birth, and more. Listen to our latest MODCAST: https://lnkd.in/gi5zerbW #listennow #newepisode #podcast #research #researchpodcast #marchofdimes #maternalhealth #infanthealth

On #NationalMakeaDifferenceDay March of Dimes celebrates the partners who have tirelessly worked with us to support moms and babies across the country by fundraising, raising awareness and building community. These are partners like: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - Official who have an incredible Storks Nest program to support expectant moms Tri Sigma National Sorority for their support of life-changing research Mocha Moms Inc for their national advocacy efforts Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. for rallying their members in support of March for Babies. Together we can all make a difference for families in our country. Learn about you can contribute at https://lnkd.in/e56dtXiP #makeadifferenceday

Thank you to all of our team members, advocates, and supporters continuing for your effort and progress in the fight for the health of all moms and babies. This week, we're celebrating a few highlights from our leaders in action: 💜March of Dimes Interim Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Amanda Williams, MD, MPH, FACOG, hosted "Checkup with the Doc" with advocate LaToyia Dennis, MBA, the Motivated Mom, to discuss personal stories, preterm birth, our Low Dose, Big Benefits campaign, and opportunities to get involved with our network of advocates as we fight to improve the health of all moms and babies. Get involved: https://lnkd.in/gtqQYvDK 💜March of Dimes Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs, Stacey Brayboy, hosted a panel at the Women in Government Relations Pathways to Progress: Pursuing Equity and Excellence in Maternal Health event on "The Rural Reality: Exploring Policy Solutions to Promote Access to Care in Rural and Underserved Communities," with Lauren Battle, MPH with Laphonza Butler and Marielle Kress with Senate Finance Committee. Learn more about maternity care deserts and their impact on healthcare: https://lnkd.in/g7i3H7GH

Planning for the future? A simple way to make a lasting impact is by including March of Dimes as a beneficiary in your will or trust. This thoughtful gesture supports the health of moms and babies for generations to come. Discover how you can leave a legacy: https://lnkd.in/gZmPQE98