Tackling North Carolina's Preterm Birth Crisis: March of Dimes Leads the Charge

North Carolina's preterm birth rate has been a cause for concern, with the state receiving a "D+" grade from the March of Dimes. This alarming statistic has prompted the organization to take action, advocating for policy changes and conducting research to address the issue. In a recent event hosted by the March of Dimes in Wilmington, local chefs and community members came together to raise funds and awareness for this important cause.

Empowering Families, Driving Change: March of Dimes' Mission in North Carolina

Addressing the Preterm Birth Challenge

North Carolina's preterm birth rate stands at 10.7%, a concerning figure that the March of Dimes is determined to improve. Preterm births, defined as those occurring before 37 weeks of pregnancy, can have significant implications for the health and well-being of both infants and mothers. The March of Dimes recognizes the urgent need to address this problem and is spearheading efforts to drive policy changes and support research that can lead to better outcomes.

Raising Awareness and Funds for a Cause

The recent event hosted by the March of Dimes in Wilmington was a testament to the organization's commitment to engaging the community and raising funds for its mission. Local chefs and restaurants came together to showcase their culinary talents, with attendees able to sample a variety of delectable dishes. The silent auction and ticket sales generated an impressive $155,000, surpassing the previous year's total of $130,000. These funds will be crucial in supporting the March of Dimes' research and advocacy efforts, as well as providing support for families affected by preterm births.

Empowering Families and Sharing Stories

At the heart of the March of Dimes' work are the families whose lives have been impacted by preterm births. The event featured the Clark family as the ambassador family, sharing their personal journey with attendees. Their daughter, born 12 weeks early, spent 105 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and has since undergone countless doctor and therapy appointments. By sharing their story, the Clarks aimed to inspire others to support the March of Dimes' mission and raise awareness about the challenges faced by families dealing with preterm births.

Addressing Maternal Health Concerns

The event also provided a platform to highlight the importance of maternal health. Ellison Clark, the mother in the ambassador family, shared her own experience with severe preeclampsia, a condition that has left her with permanent kidney damage. Her story underscores the need to prioritize maternal health and ensure that women receive the support and care they need during pregnancy and beyond. By raising awareness about these issues, the March of Dimes hopes to drive policy changes and improve outcomes for both mothers and infants.

Engaging the Community and Inspiring Action

The March of Dimes' event in Wilmington was not just about raising funds; it was also about engaging the community and inspiring action. Cullen Clark, the father in the ambassador family, emphasized the importance of involving men in the cause, as preterm births and maternal health issues impact families as a whole. By sharing his perspective as a father, Cullen aimed to encourage more men to get involved and support the March of Dimes' efforts.The success of the event, with its impressive fundraising total, demonstrates the community's commitment to the March of Dimes' mission. As the organization continues to advocate for policy changes and support research, the support and engagement of local communities will be crucial in driving meaningful progress and improving outcomes for families in North Carolina and beyond.