Every year, nearly half a million babies are born too soon in the United
States. Our country’s premature birth rate has risen by 36 percent over the
last 25 years.
 That’s serious cause for concern. Premature birth costs more than $26
billion a year and takes a high toll on families.
Babies born just a few weeks early are at risk of severe health problems
and lifelong disabilities. Premature
birth<http://www.marchofdimes.com/mission/prematurity.html>is the
number 1 killer of newborns.
The March of Dimes is the biggest non profit organization dedicated to
prevent premature birth, birth defects, and infant mortality though
fundraising, advocacy,
and research. Since abolishing polio, the foundation has moved its focus to
premature birth and November is Prematurity Awareness Month, when the
March of Dimes focuses the nation's attention on premature birth. November
17 marks  <http://www.marchofdimes.com/mission/prematurity_wpd.html>World
Prematurity Day, and the March of Dimes Collegiate council at UMD
will be hosting several events to highlight this important cause and to
raise funds, so that one day all babies are born healthy. If you are
interested in helping out, and/or
a leadership position, please visit www.marchofdimesumd.com and email
[log in to unmask] for more information. Join us in the fight against
premature birth!