Megan Branham , March of Dimes, 803-403-8522, mbranham@marchofdimes.com.
Columbia , South Carolina, October 29, 2012 —

The March of Dimes South Carolina Chapter recently named Amy Picklesimer, MD, MPH as the Clinical Lead of the South Carolina Birth Outcomes Initiative (BOI). BOI is an effort by the South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) and its statewide partners (including, but not limited to, South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, South Carolina Hospital Association and March of Dimes) to improve the health of newborns across the state.

This position will be instrumental in initiating, strengthening and enhancing relationships with hospitals, OB practices, and maternal and child health organizations. Dr. Picklesimer will work with partner agencies to evaluate statewide needs in order to allocate resources and address priority areas which will enhance services to babies and women of child bearing age.

Dr. Picklesimer has broad experience in the field of maternal and child health over the last decade. She is a graduate of The Ohio State University College of Medicine and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health. Dr. Picklesimer is a maternal-fetal medicine specialist with the Greenville Hospital System Academic Medical Center, and has served as medical director of Greenville Hospital System Obstetric Center since 2008.

“The BOI has already seen success in its first year. In October 2011, all 43 of the hospitals that deliver babies in South Carolina signed a pledge to eliminate elective deliveries prior to 39 weeks gestational age. These early elective deliveries, often performed for scheduling convenience and not medical necessity, can result breathing problems and other complications for newborns. This is a wonderful example of the way hospitals and physicians can work together with SCDHHS to improve outcomes for babies and save dollars for the State,” said Picklesimer.

Each year, the South Carolina Chapter of the March of Dimes invests in mission initiatives statewide, including research grants and local community services. Through these program services, the March of Dimes continues working to prevent birth defects and infant death, reduce South Carolina’s premature birth rate, increase access to prenatal care and educate healthcare providers and women about having healthy babies.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, 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/southcarolina. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Dr. Picklesimer

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