US citizens were shocked in 2006 when the annual State of the World’s Mothers report revealed that our country has the second highest infant mortality rate in the modernized world. This news was especially shocking considering the report’s additional findings that the United States has more neonatologists and neonatal intensive care beds per person than Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom, yet the infant death rate is still higher than in any of those 3 countries. As of 2008, the CDC was still reporting that the US infant death rate was higher than that of most European nations.
The March of Dimes was founded by Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1938 to help save America’s youth from polio, but it has since evolved into a crusade to help all of America’s children and babies. Today, the March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. The March for Babies, which took place yesterday (April 25th), was inspired by Virginia Apgar’s work with the March of Dimes, from whom we get the “Apgar Score” that is used to instantly assess a baby’s health upon birth.
The annual March for Babies is now a 2-week long series of events with celebrities, sports stars and politicians all participating in the fight against preterm births. According to their website, “Preterm birth is the number one killer of newborns in the United States, and babies who survive often face lifelong health problems.”
This weekend, stars from all entertainment arenas came out to show their support and walk for the cause. Modern Family star Julie Bowen, Access Hollywood host Nancy O’Dell, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Harry Douglas, Olympic gymnast Shannon Miller and Biggest Loser winner Ali Vincent all participated in walks in their communities on April 24. Actress Melissa Joan Hart, American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, New York Giants wide receiver Steve Smith and sports legend Darryl Strawberry all walked on April 25.
The March of Dimes will spend 76 cents out of every dollar raised this past March to support research and programs that help babies begin healthy lives. A great rollover infographic on their website demonstrates how this money goes to help every part of an infant’s bodily health in his or her first year of life. If you didn’t get to participate in a walk this weekend, there are still March for Babies’ events happening the first two weekends in May, and you can visit the website to help spread the word.
Photo courtesy of ABC.