Alaska one of two states with signifigant drops in preterm birth rates

March of Dimes took center stage yesterday in Anchorage, Alaska when the state was recognized for its efforts to reduce the rate of preterm births. State Director Janie Odgers presented the March of Dimes Virginia Apgar Prematurity Award to Alaska’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Ward Hurlburt during the morning general session of the Department of Health and Social Services’ Maternal Child Health and Immunization conference.

The Virginia Apgar Award was created to recognize our chapters and their health departments for their joint work to successfully meet the ASTHO/March of Dimes Challenge to reduce the 2009 prematurity in their state by 8% by 2014. Alaska was one of 2 states to receive this prestigious award at the 2012 Summer Staff Conference in Orlando Florida.

“This award is a reflection of the systematic effort and dedication of health care providers of obstetrical and newborn care, health care organizations throughout Alaska, and our staff in the Section of Women’s, Children’s and Family Health who partnered together over the last 30 years to achieve these gratifying results,” Hurlburt said after accepting the award.