The March of Dimes has designated November as Prematurity Awareness Month - to send the alert that premature birth is a crisis in our country and to bring people together to help give all babies their 9 months.  (http://www.marchofdimes.com/indiana/6185_15859.asp)

Babies are in crisis today. Nearly half a million are born prematurely every year and the number is rising. Across Indiana the March of Dimes is organizing events raise awareness as part of its national effort to save babies from premature birth by funding research to find the causes and by supporting local programs that offer hope and help to families with a baby in intensive care.

Premature birth is the number one killer of newborns and a major cause of serious health problems. It costs society billions of dollars every year. Here in Indiana, more than 10,600 babies are born prematurely each year, about 1 in 8.  Activities across the Wabash Valley Division of Indiana include:

• November 15th—
• Baesler’s Market will sell pink and blue frosted donuts and donate a portion of the proceeds to the March of Dimes.   The morning starts with live radio and television coverage of the pink and blue donut sales.
• Businesses will support the March of Dimes with a Pink and Blue Jeans for babies day for employees.
• The Vigo County Courthouse will be lit with Pink and Blue lights.
• November 17th—The “Light the Way” to fight prematurity event will be held in Greencastle. 
• November 18th—The Venus Salon will hold a Cut-A-Thon to raise awareness and money for the March of Dimes fight against prematurity.

For more information contact Nikki Simpson at the Wabash Valley Division of the March of Dimes Indiana Chapter at 812-234-2736 and visit marchofdimes.com and find out what you can do for pink and blue to help prevent premature birth. You can send a message of hope for premature babies by wearing pink and blue, raising awareness with wristbands, car magnets and ribbons, sending e-mails and letters, and supporting research. Visit marchofdimes.com to help give all babies their 9 months during November – Prematurity Awareness Month – and any time of year