Guest post by Anna Givens with March of Dimes
March of Dimes and Virginia Physicians for Women have recently created a partnership to bring focus to the health of all moms and babies in our area. It is a natural alliance due to our common goals of supporting moms through every stage of the pregnancy journey, even when everything doesn’t go according to plan. Together we can improve the health of Virginian Women and in turn decrease the preterm birth rate.
Virginia’s Premature Birth Report Card
In the fall of 2017, March of Dimes came out with the Premature Birth Report Card for Virginia. Our state received a C grade, with a preterm birth rate of 9.6%, when compared to the rest of the country. More specifically, the county of Chesterfield received a C grade, with a preterm birth rate of 9.7%. Henrico County received a slightly higher grade of B, with a preterm birth rate of 9.1%. The Report Card also highlights racial/ethnic disparities in our area. In Virginia, the preterm birth rate among black women is 49% higher than the rate among all other women. Although these numbers are quite shocking, VPFW and March of Dimes continue to fight for our united mission.
March of Dimes is a Champion for Moms and Babies Everywhere
March of Dimes believes that every baby deserves the best possible start. Unfortunately, not all babies get one. We are changing that. From advocacy to education to research, we’re working to level the playing field so that all moms and babies are healthy. Because when a society supports every family, the future is brighter for us all. And when communities work together, even the toughest problems can be solved.
We are the leading organization in maternal and child health, fighting for all families no matter who they are, where they live or what they can afford. We are grounded in our purpose and vision, and we know what we want to accomplish. We’re advocating for policies to protect them. We’re working to radically improve the health care they receive. We’re pioneering research to find solutions. We’re empowering families with programs, knowledge and tools to have healthier pregnancies. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. We imagine a world in which every baby is born healthy regardless of wealth, race or geography.
Join the Cause, and Help Families in Our Community
Now more than ever, moms and babies need a champion. You can make a difference for thousands of families in your community. When you March for Babies, you make a statement about the world you want to live in – one in which healthy moms and strong babies are a priority for us all.
Join us at March for Babies on April 28th, 2018 at Anthem. You’ll be walking 3 miles alongside 3,000 other participants. The day will include mission fun activities. Take part in our Hope, Remember, and Celebrate areas. We hope to reach our goal of $285,000 with your support. Can’t join us for the walk? You can volunteer or fundraise in a Virtual Walk all year long! Whether you participate in a March for Babies near you or in a March for Babies Virtual walk, you’re raising critical funds to help tackle the biggest health threats to moms and babies.
To sign up for the VPFW team and join our doctors and nurses in the walk, start at www.marchforbabies.org.
To schedule an appointment with a VPFW provider, you can call us at 804-897-2100 or set an appointment online.