Megan Branham, Director of Program Services , (803) 403-8522, MBranham@marchofdimes.com.

On March 7, 2012 March of Dimes volunteers from across the state will be gathering in Columbia to speak out about key advocacy issues affecting mothers and babies in South Carolina. Volunteers will attend a briefing in the Blatt Building on State Grounds on the morning of March 7.  Representative Rita Allison (Spartanburg) has been asked to provide opening remarks and March of Dimes Legislative Consultant, Coretta Bedsole, will provide training on how to craft an effective advocacy message. Following this briefing, volunteers will proceed to State House to view House in session and meet individually with their elected officials to convey the importance of March of Dimes advocacy issues. Volunteers must pre-register by noon on Tuesday, March 2 to participate.  Interested parties may contact Megan Branham, Director of Program Services for the March of Dimes at 803-403-8522 or mbranham@marchofdimes.com.

The March of Dimes Advocacy and Government Affairs agenda focuses on public policies and programs that relate to the Foundation's mission -- improving the health of infants and work. The South Carolina Chapter has chosen a main priority for 2012:

Improve access to health services under publicly supported health coverage programs such as Medicaid, S-CHIP and Maternal, Infant and Early Childhood Home Visitation.

Home visiting programs offer a variety of family-focused services to expectant parents and families with new babies and young children. They address issues such as maternal and child health, positive parenting practices, safe home environments and access to services.

About the March of Dimes

Each year, the South Carolina March of Dimes invests more than 1.5 million dollars in our mission statewide, including research grants and local community services. Through these program services, the March of Dimes continues to strive to prevent birth defects and infant death, reduce South Carolina’s premature birth rate, increase access to prenatal care and educate men and women about having healthy babies. Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year including 184 babies in South Carolina in an average week.

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 or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.