FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, January 7, 2004

MARCH OF DIMES KICKS OFF FIVE-YEAR PREMATURITY CAMPAIGN
FEATURING SPEAKER CHAR LUGAR, WIFE OF INDIANA SENATOR

Every year more than 2,000 Hawaii babies are born prematurely

WHAT: Hawaii's 2004 Prematurity Campaign Kick-off Breakfast

WHO:  Mrs. Char Lugar, former March of Dimes National Board of Trustees member, wife of Senator Richard G. Lugar of Indiana, and other special guests, including Lt. Governor Duke Aiona

WHEN/ Friday, January 9, from 8 to 9 a.m.
WHERE: The Pacific Club

DETAILS: Mrs. Lugar will provide an overview of the problem of prematurity and what the March of Dimes Campaign aims to do about it, both nationally and here in Hawaii. The goal of March of Dimes volunteers and staff is simple: to give all babies the chance to be born on time and healthy.

ABOUT PREMATURE BABIES
 In January of 2003, the March of Dimes turned the spotlight on the perplexing and growing problem of prematurity – when a baby arrives too soon and (usually) too small. Every year in Hawaii, more than 2,000 babies are born prematurely. Many people do not understand the scope of the problem of prematurity. But consider the following:
# Prematurity is the leading cause of death in the first month of life.
# Prematurity is a major contributor to lifelong disabilities (including blindness, hearing problems, cerebral palsy and mental retardation) for babies who survive.
# Prematurity-related expenses cost employer health plans $4.7 billion annually.
# Prematurity is on the rise, up 25 percent between 1981 and 1999.
# One out of every eight babies is born prematurely. That's more than 476,000 babies
each year.
MEDIA
INTERVIEWS
Char Lugar should be available for interview regarding the issue of prematurity, as well as her experience as a former March of Dimes National Board of Trustees member.

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Media Information:
Jennifer Bowers, Communications Pacific (Ph: 543-3512; Cellular: 295-2758)
Carissa Shimon, Communications Pacific (Ph: 543-3572; Cellular: 949-300-2442)