Arizona Health Department Partners with March of Dimes to Address Premature Births During Awareness Month

The Arizona Department of Health Services is collaborating with the March of Dimes to increase awareness of preterm births in the state during November, which is prematurity awareness month. Preterm babies—those born before 37 weeks—are a growing issue, and Prematurity Awareness Month draws attention to the causes and effects of early birth. In honor of World Prematurity Day on Saturday, activists demanded greater studies and advancements in medical care to lower the number of premature newborns.

The Arizona Department of Health Services has given the state a C grade for the third consecutive year due to its problems with preterm births. Significant discrepancies are highlighted by the fact that the preterm birth rate for kids born to Black moms is 1.2 times greater than that of other babies. Through programs like Arizona’s Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers, the March of Dimes promotes the cause. Director of Maternal and Infant Health Shadie Tofigh called for equitable healthcare solutions, saying, “Every baby deserves the chance for a healthy start, yet, the data continues to show unacceptable health outcomes for far too many families.”

In order to improve outcomes for mothers and newborns, the Arizona Department of Health Services sponsors a number of preventative initiatives. Pregnancy and postpartum difficulties can be supported by resources such as the Strong Families AZ Helpline and the Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Helpline. Initiatives like the WIC Program and the ASH Line support the health of new and pregnant mothers. Support can be shown by wearing purple or by using the hashtag #WorldPrematurityDay when sharing personal stories.

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