WHITE PLAINS, NY, MARCH 27, 2012 – Hospitals that want to implement practices to reduce medically unnecessary early elective deliveries should apply to the March of Dimes Foundation for a no cost service package to guide their work. The deadline for applications is April 15, 2012.

          As a leader in maternal and infant health for more than 70 years, the March of Dimes wants to support hospitals’ efforts to improve the health of their patients. The Foundation has developed a quality improvement service package to enable hospitals to implement the steps needed to eliminate elective deliveries prior to 39 weeks of pregnancy. Included in the Service Package are action-oriented guidance, data collection tools, Grand Rounds, access to national quality improvement experts and providers, and other support services to maximize a hospital’s success in attaining its quality improvement goals.

          “We’re providing this Service Package at no cost for at least 100 hospitals in 2012 in order to make significant strides in eliminating early elective deliveries,” says Scott Berns, MD, MPH, Senior Vice President and Deputy Medical Director for the March of Dimes. “The educational materials to support these efforts will be offered at a discounted rate to participating hospitals.”

          Hospitals interested in applying for this Service Package can view the marketing video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6XcWBcaliA, and are invited to email 39weeksQI@marchofdimes.com for more information and an application form.

          The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.