Programs supported through these grants address special maternal and infant health needs specific to Oregon and Southwest Washington. The 2004 grantees include:

Community Action Organization: $18,000 Funding for Opening Doors, an information, referral and outreach program for low income pregnant women in Washington County.

Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center: $18,000 Grant to support prenatal education for high-risk pregnant women.

Emanuel Medical Center Foundation: $15,000 Funding for the center’s Reach-In project to enhance prenatal risk assessment, pregnancy case management and prenatal and pre-pregnancy education and advocacy services for at-risk women.

Child Development and Rehabilitation Center at OHSU: $15,000 Funding for programs to increase awareness and utilization of genetic services to primary care practitioners in underserved areas in Oregon.

Samaritan Health Services: $18,000 Grant to support the Maternity Care Coordination Initiative to ensure that all pregnant women in Linn and Benton Counties receive screening for special issues including medical, obstetrical and psychosocial concerns.

Sacred Heart Medical Center Foundation: $17,204 Funding for preventative dental care for low income Hispanic pregnant women in Lane County. Poor dental health has been identified as a cause of premature birth.

Josephine County Health Department: $15,000 Grant to fund Josephine County’s maternity case management program and prenatal education efforts.

The March of Dimes is also funding several national research grants in the chapter area. Nearly $1 million is currently being awarded to researchers at Oregon Health & Science University and the University of Oregon.

Funding for these grants is made possible through special events, corporate giving and individual donations. For more information, contact the March of Dimes at 503-222-9434.