* It’s the leading killer of newborn babies?
* It’s the #1 contributor to lifelong disability for babies who survive?
* It’s on the rise, having increased 20% since 1990?
* More than half the time, its causes aren’t known?
* It’s expensive, estimated to cost the nation’s healthcare system $26 billion per year?

If not, you aren’t alone. Premature birth is more common, serious and costly than most people know. But you can make a difference! Here’s how.

Whoever you are
Educate yourself about premature birth by clicking here. Another way to get schooled is to read our 2009 premature birth report card. Colorado's results are below.

Colorado's 2009 premature birth report card

Premature birth report card media release

Premature birth map of the U.S.

If you’re pregnant or know someone who is
Learn the sings of preterm labor and how to respond to them by clicking here.

If you’re the Colorado parent of a preemie, discover resources that may help your baby and your family

Emotional support during the NICU stay and beyond
March of Dimes NICU Family Support program
prematurity.org website
preemie-1.org website
preemies.org website
shareyourstory.org website

When baby comes home: life after the NICU
Colorado Responds to Children with Special Needs
Early Childhood Connections: Part C, Colorado Department of Human Services
Imagine Colorado: Innovative Resources for Cognitive and Physical Challenges
National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities

Financial information
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
Child Health Plan Plus program
Children with Special Health Care Needs program
Disability Determination Services Colorado
Insure Kids Now
Rx Assist
Social Security Administration
State Health Insurance Assist Programs
Working with your insurance company