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While the rate of premature births has been increasing, surveys show that most people have no idea how widespread or how serious the problem is. Tell a friend what you have learned about premature birth.
Preemie Project 1475 is a fun new way to raise awareness about the common, severe and costly public health issue of preterm birth in Maine. 1475 represents the number of preemies that were born in Maine in 2004, one in 10 births.
We are inviting individuals and groups across the State of Maine to wear a preemie diaper lapel pin on November 13th, Prematurity Awareness Day. The theme of the activity is I’m Helping the March of Dimes Change This Preemie Diaper, referencing the tiny size of a preemie diaper vs. the larger diaper of a full term newborn.
The goal of the March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign is to reduce the incidence of preterm birth. One of the ways we intend to reach that goal is to raise awareness that preterm birth affects the immediate and long term health of our babies in increasing numbers. Preterm birth also affects medical care delivery systems, health insurance costs, business costs, and increases in educational and social services support. The extended family of the preterm baby experience financial, emotional and social concerns.
This project is designed to provide volunteers across the state with an increased opportunity to educate the general public about preterm birth. We anticipate that this eye-catching pin will generate many surprising reactions from the public. As a “wearer of the pin”, we expect that you will have many opportunities to discuss preterm birth with family, friends and others at work, school, social gatherings, and on the street while shopping, running errands, attending meetings or walking the dog.
Change This Diaper Project
The diaper itself is about 3 ¼ in. wide by 4 ½ in. high, just slightly larger than your palm. A March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign pink and blue ribbon pin with the number 9 will be used to attach the diaper kit to one’s garment. (The 9 refers to the preferred full nine months gestation.) A sticker on the front of the diaper will read: I’m Helping the March of Dimes Change This Preemie Diaper, Preemie Project 1475. Inside the diaper will be two cards with information about prematurity. When someone from the public approaches a wearer, asking about the pin, the wearer can pull out a card with basic information about premature birth. If the person is pregnant, there will also be a wallet size card that discusses the signs and symptoms of preterm labor and what to do about it. The back of the diaper will have a sticker recognizing all of the sponsors of the activity. After the campaign, participants can remove the 9 ribbon pin and wear it regularly.
A statewide media campaign will be conducted in conjunction with the activity. We will ask prominent people to help us with TV, radio and newspaper promotions. We also plan some in-store promotions. Volunteers are asked to work with their local community media to generate local news stories.
