PHOENIX, ARIZONA -- Arizona is one of only seven states in the nation to receive an improved grade on the second annual March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card – earning a “D” grade.

The March of Dimes released its second annual report card today, the 7th Annual Prematurity Awareness Day®, when the March of Dimes focuses the nation’s attention on the growing problem of premature birth (birth before 37 weeks gestation). For the second consecutive year, the United States earned only a “D” on the report card, demonstrating that more than a half million of our nation’s newborns didn’t get the healthy start they deserved. As in 2008, no state earned an “A” and only Vermont received a “B.” 

“Here in Arizona we are proud to see that our hard work is starting to pay off,” said Dr. Michael McQueen, CEO, Goodnight Pediatrics and member of March of Dimes State Board of Directors.  “Our preterm birth rate dropped from13.2% in 2006 to 12.7% in 2007, but we have a long way to go before reaching the March of Dimes national goal of 7.6%.” 

 Arizona was also only one out of 6 states nationwide to improve on all three additional March of Dimes criteria that affect prematurity including:

• Reduction in  the percentage of women of childbearing age who smoke from 17.6% to 12.7%;
• Reduction in the percent of uninsured women of child-bearing age from 25.7% to 25.4%.
• Reduction in the percentage of late preterm births from 9.9% to 9.4%.

Wayne Tormala, Chief of the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) Bureau of Tobacco & Chronic Disease stated “Last year more than 170,000 Arizonans quit using tobacco. The ADHS Bureau of Tobacco & Chronic Disease and the Bureau of Women and Children’s Health worked together to educate  women of child bearing age and those with children in the home in particular about the health benefits of quitting smoking, which are immediate and dramatic. We are excited to know that Arizona leads the nation in these trends, but also know that much work still lies ahead if we are to ensure that all Arizonans can look forward to healthy lives.”

In the US, more than 540,000 babies are born too soon each year. Preterm birth is a serious health problem that costs the United States more than $26 billion annually, according to the Institute of Medicine. It is the leading cause of newborn death and babies who survive an early birth often face the risk of lifetime health challenges, such as breathing problems, mental retardation and others.  A March of Dimes report released in October found that 13 million babies worldwide were born preterm and more than one million die each year.

Quality improvement programs are key to lowering preterm birth rates, according to the March of Dimes.  “Our mission is to promote health and wellness among mothers, soon-to-be-mothers and infants,” said McQueen. “We have amazing tools and resources available to the public that provide information on how to prepare for your nine months.”

Prematurity Awareness Day events are happening throughout November, include/included:

• On November 4, 2009 the March of Dimes held its second annual Signature Chefs & Celebrities event in Scottsdale. The event featured twelve renowned chefs from across the Valley and several local celebrities including 2009 “Hell’s Kitchen” Chef-testant, Sabrina Gressett and renowned author, Harvey Mackay. The event, which raised over $100,000, will continue to fund programs and advocacy efforts so that one day every baby will be born healthy.

• On November 17, 2009 you can see University Medical Center in Tucson shining in purple light to symbolize hope for a healthy start for all babies. During the day UMC will showcase a NICU and provide information on the many lifesaving technologies used to treat preemie babies once they are born. The showcase will begin at 2:00 PM and the lighting will take place at 6:00 PM. For more information please contact Allison Crawford at acrawford@umcaz.edu.

• On November 17, 2009 Arizona Peter Piper Pizza restaurants will donate 15% of all sales to the March of Dimes. Stop by any location and mention the “March of Dimes!”

• Throughout the month of November, hospitals with a Level III NICU will be displaying the March of Dimes “Faces of Prematurity: Born Too Soon and Too Small” photo exhibit. This exhibit features Arizona infants born prematurely and will focus attention on the potentially devastating effects of premature birth.

• Several hospitals throughout the Valley and state will use the photo exhibit along with other visuals and activities to publicize prematurity, including promoting and distributing March of Dimes “I Want My Nine Months” materials, information about affordable preconception and prenatal care services, and ornaments made by siblings of an infant in the NICU.

For more information on Prematurity Awareness Day local activities, and to view the Arizona Report Card, please visit www.marchofdimes.com/arizona.

The March of Dimes is the leading organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com/arizona or nacersano.org.

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