Through the use of trained peer educators and a mass media campaign, Closing the Gap provides risk reduction information about premature birth and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome – two of the leading causes of infant death – to women and families in the Chicago communities of Austin, Auburn Gresham, Englewood and West Englewood.

Grammy Award-winning recording artist and Chicago native Common signed on to promote Closing the Gap. He appeared in posters, billboards and public service announcements on CTA buses and trains along with some of our key messages for healthy pregnancy and safe sleeping habits for infants.

The March of Dimes encourages women and families to take these steps for a healthy baby:

• If you think you might be pregnant, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
• Don’t smoke, drink alcohol or take drugs during pregnancy.
• Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have any of the signs of preterm labor: 
  • Cramps that feel like your period;
  • Feeling like your baby is pushing down;
  • Contractions every 10 minutes or less;
  •  Low dull backache; or
  • Fluid leaking from your vagina.
• Your baby should sleep on its back, alone in a crib for night time and nap time.
• Keep your baby’s crib in your bedroom – never bed share with an infant.
• Breast feeding is best for your baby.

Closing the Gap was a collaborative project of the Illinois Department of Human Services, the Illinois Maternal & Child Health Coalition, Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois and the March of Dimes. Funding for the project was provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration

Closing the Gap Partners:

Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois

Illinois Department of Human Services

Illinois Maternal Child Health Coalition

Click to download:

Preterm Births by Race/Ethnicity in Chicago