(Detroit, MI) NOVEMBER 4, 2005 – Hutzel Women's Hospital, a member of the Detroit Medical Center, has joined forces with the March of Dimes during the month of November to raise awareness about the growing problem of premature birth. As a Prematurity Awareness Month Sponsor, Hutzel Hospital will be hosting an informational tour of their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and a reception on November 14th at 3:30pm. Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak and Oakwood Hospital in Dearborn will also hold similar events on November 17th at 9:30am and 2:00pm respectively, and Pasquale's in Royal Oak is hosting a luncheon and educational presentation about the issue of prematurity on November 15 at 12:00pm.

Prematurity is a serious and common problem. In 2002, there were 15,510 preterm births in Michigan alone. That was 11.9% of all live births. 25% of premature babies suffer lifelong health problems including cerebral palsy and blindness. Even with the best medical services, many do not get through the first month.

To donate and support the March of Dimes' initiative to raise awareness and stop the crisis of premature birth, visit the Hutzel Women's Hospital Web site at www.hutzel.org/hutzel, click on the Virtual Canister on the homepage, and follow the simple instructions.

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

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