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 Northwest Indiana include:

• Hospitals- In area holding national prematurity day, handing out March of Dimes Beanies to premature babies, etc.
• Methodist Hospital is displaying banners & signs
• Porter Memorial will have pink/blue balloon arches, signage, & bracelet pin sales
• E-mail volunteers for pink/blue bulbs on porches
• Pink/Blue Ribbons on trees
• Schools, Fire departments, hospitals to display today is national prematurity day on illuminated signs

For more information contact Sandy Storey at the Northwest Indiana Division of the March of Dimes Indiana Chapter at 219-736-0023 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