| March of Dimes Florida Chapter recently observed the third annual Prematurity Awareness Day with several landmarks around the state illuminated in pink and blue, rallies, candle lightings, and health fairs to address the increasing rate of prematurity by raising awareness and funding more research to identify the causes of premature birth.
“Prematurity is now the nation's leading killer of newborns,” says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. “It has now reached epidemic proportions – 499,008 babies were born premature in 2003, the most recent year for which we have final data. The health consequences for infant survivors can be devastating: cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and other neurological conditions. Our purpose today is to raise public awareness about prematurity, and to mobilize the political will to act.”
Click here to learn more and see how can you help save babies http://marchofdimes.com/prematurity/prematurity.asp.
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