In an average week in South Carolina, 173—or one in six—babies are born too prematurely. Premature babies struggle to survive, and may face lifelong health and developmental consequences.

The March of Dimes hopes to help communities in the Midlands focus their attention on the impact premature birth has on babies and families.

“During November, for Prematurity Awareness Month we are inviting companies to participate in this promotion” said Parke Espy of the South Carolina Chapter of the March of Dimes. “Employees can spend a day in the comfort of their blue jeans while making an impact they can feel good about. Participating in the Blue Jeans for Babies campaign makes a great statement to the community that a company or school cares about local families and the health of babies and families. Funds raised through this event help to support March of Dimes research and programs to help all moms have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.”

For more information about Blue Jeans for Babies or the March of Dimes contact the Parke Espy at 803-252-5200 or visit marchofdimes.com/southcarolina

Last year, the South Carolina March of Dimes invested more than $4.2 million in program services, including research grants and local community services. Through these grants, the March of Dimes is seeking ways to prevent birth defects and infant death, reduce South Carolina’s increasing premature birth rate, increase access to prenatal care and educate men and women about having healthy babies.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. Its mission is 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.