Autumn is a special time for the March of Dimes because Prematurity Awareness Month is in November!  This is our chance to spread the mission of this wonderful cause, educate others about what we do, and recruit volunteers to fight for our nation's little ones.  The fight continues for more than 500,000 babies born too soon and too small each year.  They need our help, so please help us "Fight for Preemies."

On November 17th, Prematurity Awareness Day®, thousands of people participate in Prematurity Awareness Day activities in their communities.  Hundreds of companies and organizations also get involved in the fight for preemies.  They help us raise awareness, as well as much-needed funds for research.  November is when the March of Dimes focuses everyone’s attention on the impact premature
birth has on babies and families, as well as our companies and the entire nation.

The focus is on evidence-based opportunities for interventions to reduce preterm birth rates: among them, progesterone for certain high-risk women; CenteringPregnancy®; smoking cessation; quality improvement; and a focus on preconception health.  These activities give us the best opportunity to demonstrate our maternal and child health (MCH) leadership in reducing rates of preterm birth.

So, get involved. 

• Visit www.marchofdimes.com/fightforpreemies
• Learn - find out about premature birth and what you can do to have a healthy pregnancy.
• Give - create a virtual band to celebrate, honor or remember a baby in your life.  Your donation helps give other babies a fighting chance at life.
• Do - sign up for advocacy alerts to be a voice for premature babies in Washington, D.C.  Ask everyone you know to get involved, too.
• Call - the Alabama Chapter Office at (205) 824-0103 to find out how you can get more involved in local events.  We have offices and events going on all around the state - Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Dothan and Mobile.