Arizona programs

• We’re improving the health of babies in our state.
• Our programs support moms-to-be and professionals.
• We offer comfort to families with a newborn in intensive care.

We want to see a day when all babies are born healthy. When we identify ways to improve maternal and infant health, it is important to share that education so that one day our mission will be fulfilled. 

The Coming of the Blessing

The Coming of the Blessing is a March of Dimes initiative for American Indian and Alaskan Native families. In June 2010 and February 2012, March of Dimes Arizona Chapter, Native American Connections and Native Health united to offer a “train the trainer” workshop. The Coming of the Blessing training session was designed to train educators in providing prenatal education that embraces the unique culture of American Indian families.   

Kangaroo Care

In June 2011, Dr. Nils Bergman, who pioneered “Kangaroo Care,” the concept of using skin-to-skin contact for the stabilization of premature babies, spoke to over 200 medical professionals on the advances in perinatal neuroscience and skin-to-skin contact. Dr. Bergman also conducted “grand rounds” at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center on Kangaroo Care. The primary purpose of the grand rounds program is to provide continuing education for perinatal health care providers on topics relevant to the March of Dimes mission. This program also strengthens the relationship between the Chapter and the medical, nursing and public health communities.