(Novi, MI, November 11) – Every year, 470,000 families, including 298 here in Michigan welcome their new babies into the world prematurely; in fact one out of every eight babies arrives too early. Premature birth is a common, serious and costly problem for American families.

An early birth means more than a baby simply being small. It means the baby’s organs and other systems have not finished developing, and that the baby may not be ready to survive on its own. In fact, premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death and babies who do survive may face serious lifelong health problems. Prematurity takes an enormous emotional toll on families and cost society billions.

In recognition of this tragic epidemic, November 16th has been designated Prematurity Awareness Day. Governor Granholm, Robert Ficano – Wayne County Executive, L. Brooks Patterson – Oakland County Executive and Nancy White – Chair, Macomb County Board of Commissioners have all joined forces with the March of Dimes and proclaimed November 16th as Prematurity Awareness Day in their respective areas.

To acknowledge the date and help raise awareness, Carrabba’s Italian Grill in Novi will host a free luncheon on Tuesday, November 16th from 12 – 1:30 PM where representatives from the tri-county area will be present to bestow families that have been affected by premature birth with their county’s proclamation. Individuals from local media outlets, professional sports athletes and county officials will be acting as celebrity servers that afternoon and will donate all tips received to the March of Dimes. There will be a brief program during the luncheon presented by local health officials to educate attendees on the severity of prematurity. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 248-359-1550.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a 5-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at www.marchofdimes.com, or its Spanish Web site at www.nacersano.org or call 1-888-MODIMES.