Our research—Total $1,698,446

Colorado State University—Fort Collins
Jennifer DeLuca, PhD - $150,000 – Division of cells related to miscarriages and birth defects.

University of Colorado—Boulder
Mark Winey, PhD - $217,897 – Protein function related to birth defects.

University of Colorado—Aurora
Eva Gracyk, MD—$248,290—New treatments for infants at risk for lung disease.
Caroline Kulesza, PhD - $150,000 – Transmission of viral induced birth defects.
James McManaman, PhD - $359,489 – Inflammation triggers for preterm birth.
Changwei Lui, PhD - $150,000 – Protein degradation related to infant diseases.
Matthew Taylor, MD, PhD - $272,770 – Genetic causes of mental retardation.
Virginia Winn, MD, PhD - $150,000 – Develop drugs to prevent and treat preeclampsia.
 
Our services—Total $241,848

CenteringPregnancy® Initiative
The Colorado Chapter has launched a statewide, evidenced-based project using the CenteringPregnancy group healthcare model to provide support and empowerment to pregnant women. This model of prenatal care has proven to be extremely effective in fostering healthy, full-term pregnancy and delivering healthy infants. The 2010 partners in this project include:
• Clinica Family Health Services—Boulder, Eldorado Springs, Nederland and Jamestown.
• Peak Vista—El Paso and Teller Counties.
• Salud Family Health Centers—Fort Collins and Commerce City.
 
Late Preterm Birth Initiative
The majority of U.S. preterm (or premature) birth (72%) is within 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy. This is called late preterm birth. Its rate increased 18% between 1995 and 2005, and accounts for the majority of increase in the overall preterm birth rate.  About one-quarter of all preterm births are the result of medical interventions. Increases in Caesarean section rates (more than 40% between 1996 and 2004) and labor inductions are major contributing factors.
 
The Colorado chapter is launching a statewide public health campaign to reduce the number of late preterm births. The two-pronged (healthcare provider and general public) campaign is aimed at informing, educating and impacting behaviors that influence the late preterm birth rate.
 
March of Dimes NICU Family Support®
March of Dimes NICU Family Support is an innovative, signature program that provides critical information, education and emotional support to families with infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (or NICU). Partnering with The Children’s Hospital, a regional hospital, has enabled this program among other things to place special emphasis on families transferred for neonatal medical care from across Colorado and other western states. While all families with infants hospitalized in NICU care are experiencing crisis, an added layer of stress is encountered by those who are far from family and friends. The information and comfort provided by the program address the unique needs of out-of-town families.
 
Our health education
Statewide public education regarding mom/baby health includes providing materials, participating in health fairs and coordinating media activities. Professional education incorporates conferences, workshops, grand rounds, and distribution of educational curricula and documents.
 
Our advocacy—Total $18,933
Colorado volunteers influence policy made by national and state decision-makers for the health benefit of moms, babies and kid. Our current advocacy priorities include healthcare access for infants, children and pregnant women, and birth defects monitoring.

You will find the 2010 March of Dimes grant request for applications guidelines below. This document provides complete information about our grant application process for chapter-funded services. Although the deadline has passed for 2010 applications, we still encourage you to read and learn more. Feel free also to e-mail our Colorado chapter director of program services, or call 303-692-0011, to learn about the 2011 grants cycle.