March of Dimes

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) awarded over $558 million to improve maternal health through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSAgov), HHS Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Enhancing Reviews and Surveillance to Eliminate Maternal Mortality (ERASE MM) program, which funds Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs) in 46 states and 6 U.S. territories through grants. MMRCs are vital to identifying, reviewing, and characterizing pregnancy-related deaths and identifying prevention opportunities. Learn more about the announcement and these vital MIH programs: https://lnkd.in/eXM2b-Qb You can support MMRCs by writing Congress in support of the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, which reauthorizes these important and live-saving committees! https://lnkd.in/gJZ9cS4b

We would like to thank the leadership of Ted Finucan, Chair of the 25th Annual Charleston Feeding Motherhood Signature Chef’s Auction this November. Ted currently serves as Managing Partner for Davis Supply of Charleston.   "While my journey into parenthood was relatively smooth, I recognize that many other families face unexpected challenges. Supporting #MarchofDimes and chairing this year’s event is a way to extend compassion and solidarity to those families, and every dollar we raise is another step closer in improving the well-being of moms and babies in our community. As chair, my objective is to organize a memorable, enjoyable and flavorful event, leaving attendees with lasting impressions and generating crucial funds for March of Dimes’ vital work in South Carolina and across the country," Ted shared. Join Ted at the Charleston Signature Chefs Auction on Thursday November 21, 2024 at 6:30pm at the Charleston Marriott in Charleston, SC for a night of culinary excellence, silent and live auctions, the Bill Hall Legacy Award presentation, Fund the Mission paddle raises and more – all while raising funds to help moms and babies in our communities. To learn more about the event or to become a sponsor, please visit:  https://lnkd.in/gSjccqJ4

The Shaver family had a micro-preemie, Elodie, born at 24 weeks, weighing 1 lb., 7.5 oz. After 123 days, Lea and David took Elodie home, leaving behind the beeping monitors and sterile hospital corridors once and for all. “The nurses and doctors lined in the hallway and did a graduation parade for her,” Lea shares. “And it was one of the happiest moments I've ever had.” Today, Lea and David share their story not only to celebrate Elodie's miraculous journey but also to shed light on the work March of Dimes does. “I know it’s just a matter of time before March of Dimes scientists uncover the causes of preterm birth, both early preterm birth like mine and later term preterm birth, around which there are even more questions,” Lea says—now spending much of her free time collecting donations, advocating for change, and raising awareness about the maternal and infant health crisis. Each year in the US, 1 in 10 babies is born preterm and many end up in the NICU. Your support helps us fund research to determine the causes and preventions of preterm birth and continue providing support for families like the Shavers during their NICU stay. Though the cause of Elodie’s preterm birth remains unknown, Lea is hopeful that March of Dimes research can help more moms have full-term pregnancies—and answers if they don’t. She adds: “I want the same opportunities for every single mom and baby in America, and I think with the work of March of Dimes, we can get there. I know we can.” For more than 20 years, March of Dimes has offered support and education to families with a baby in the NICU and as they transition home. This #NICUAwarenessMonth, learn more at https://lnkd.in/gAzb4x9f

On this day we celebrate our long history of partnering with organized labor and their members in support of moms and babies. Since our inception, labor has stood shoulder to shoulder with March of Dimes to ensure that all babies have the best possible start, and that all pregnant people are protected at work and get the care they need. For many union members, like Daniel Scott of UFCW Local 1996, March of Dimes’ work is personal. Daniel and his wife struggled with their third pregnancy with twins that resulted in both babies spending time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The Scott family, along with their union brothers and sisters, want you to know that March of Dimes is fighting to ensure every family gets the best possible start. Thank you, and all our labor and union partners, for supporting families across the country. #LaborDay #HappyLaborDay #LaborDayWeekend

Shout out to our advocacy team members and volunteers! In the last month, we have celebrated some exciting achievements in the fight for the health of all moms and babies. Here are some of the highlights: 💜The Maternal and Child Health #Stillbirth Prevention Act was signed into law, clarifying that state public health agencies can use the Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant to include research and activities to prevent stillbirths. 💜More than 70 advocates joined March of Dimes, Nemours, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago to meet with more than 65 Congressional offices and advocate for the #PREEMIEAct, Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, Moms Matter Act, and the MOMS Who Serve Act. #CindysAdvocacyDay 💜Thank you to Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith and Senator Richard Blumenthal for co-sponsoring the SHINE for Autumn Act! #SHINEforAutumn Take action and join us in demanding #BlanketChange: https://lnkd.in/gpeudrxq

Vaccines have long been a cornerstone of public health, protecting individuals and communities from a myriad of diseases. Yet, in today’s climate, questions and concerns about vaccinations are more prevalent than ever. In this special report hosted by CNN Health Reporter Jacqueline Howard, you’ll meet Dr. Amna Husain, a pregnant mom, Natalie Ringold, a teacher, Christina Bailey, a NICU parent, and Dr. Darria Long, an ER physician and though their stories you’ll hear a comprehensive, empathetic, and informative perspective on vaccines, addressing common concerns, and emphasizing the profound impact they have on our families and society. It Starts With Mom is sponsored by HCA Healthcare with Clearblue, GoldBug, Honest, Philips Avent, and Sanofi.

Want an easy way to potentially lower your risk of preterm birth? Sleep and move more. March of Dimes researchers found that just doing these two things drastically lowers your risk of delivering early. Learn more on the latest MODCAST episode below: https://lnkd.in/gdRECkcJ

We’re excited to announce our partnership with Masimo to support parents transitioning their little ones from the NICU to home. Together, we’re committed to donating Masimo Stork smart home baby monitoring and alarm system to NICUs in communities across the country. This initiative will provide peace of mind to NICU families, ensuring they can monitor their baby’s health with the same trusted Masimo SET® technology used in hospital NICUs for 25+ years. #MasimoCares #NICUFamilySupport #MarchofDimes https://lnkd.in/gKuwpCSk

Curious about vaccines? You're not alone. In today’s world, questions and concerns are everywhere. Join CNN Health Reporter Jacqueline Howard in a special report featuring stories from Dr. Amna Husain, a pregnant mom, Natalie Ringold, a teacher, Christina Bailey, a NICU parent, and Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, an ER physician. Through their experiences, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of vaccines—what they really mean for our families and communities. Don’t miss this eye-opening discussion on August 28th at 3:00PM EST brought to you by It Starts With Mom and our partners HCA Healthcare, Clearblue, GoldBug, The Honest Company, Philips Avent, and Sanofi. 💜 #Vaccines #Health #ItStartsWithMom

We’re thrilled to announce recent changes in our leadership to drive forward our mission to improve maternal and infant health across the U.S. Cindy Rahman, MBA has been appointed as our Interim President and CEO, Amanda P. Williams, MD, MPH, FACOG, will be stepping in as our Interim Chief Medical Officer and Ellen Kelsay, president and CEO of Business Group on Health, has recently been appointed as Board Chair of the National Board of Trustees. Cindy Rahman has been an incredible force behind our organization for the past five years, most recently serving as our Chief Marketing Officer. Her passion and dedication to the mission of March of Dimes is exceptional, and we're excited to see her vision come to life as she leads us through our 2024-2026 Strategic Plan. Her focus is to strengthen our impact, expand our reach, and further the fight to get every mom and baby the care they deserve. Dr. Amanda P. Williams, an expert in maternal health and a Clinical Innovation Advisor with CMQCC at Stanford University School of Medicine, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team. We're honored to have her expertise guide our research, advocacy, and community programs to prioritize the well-being of all moms and babies. These leadership changes come at an incredible time of growth for March of Dimes. From launching new Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers in Phoenix and New York to raising nearly $16 million during our March For Babies fundraiser, we’re committed to making a lasting impact. Together, with the support of our amazing community, we’re pushing forward in our fight to end preventable maternal health risks, preterm birth, and infant death. Read more about these incredible leaders and stay tuned as we continue to make strides for moms and babies everywhere! https://lnkd.in/gRDFDwbH #MarchofDimes #MaternalHealth #InfantHealth #Leadership #ForAllMomsAndBabies