Premature Birth - Tennessee Report Card Released, state improves to grade "C", from the March of Dimes

News Release
Release Date: Embargoed until 12:01 a.m. ET Nov. 13, 2012

Contact:

Phil Toothman, March of Dimes, Tennessee Director of Marketing 615-800-7179, ptoothman@marchofdimes.com

TENNESSEE CELEBRATES FIVE-YEAR IMPROVEMENT IN PRETERM BIRTH RATE
Receives “C” On 2012 March Of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card

Tennessee Office
1101 Kermit Drive, #201 Nashville, TN 37217 Telephone (615) 399-3200 Fax (615) 399-0039
marchofdimes.com/tennessee

DATELINE, Nov. 13, 2012 – Tennessee earned a better grade on the March of Dimes 2012 Premature Birth report card, giving more babies a healthy start in life and contributing to the national five-year improving trend.

Tennessee earned a C on the report card for lowering its preterm birth rate to 12.8 percent.

“We’re proud that our state’s preterm birth rate is improving, thanks to the work of the March of Dimes and our partners. Tennessee’s progress means that more babies are being born healthy, excess health care costs are being reduced, and families are being spared the heartache of having a baby born too soon,” said Leslie Ladd, March of Dime’s State Director “To continue this progress for mothers and babies, the Tennessee Department of Health and the March of Dimes have set a goal to reduce premature birth by at least 8 percent between 2009 and 2014.”

Here, in Tennessee, the March of Dimes is supporting Group Prenatal Programs, Hospital efforts to end Early Elective Deliveries and programs to address disparities in preterm births that will help women have full-term pregnancies and healthy babies.

Tennessee is part of a national trend toward improved preterm birth rates, 40 states saw improvement in their preterm birth rates between 2010 and 2011. On the 2012 Report Card, 16 states, including 

Tennessee got a better grade. Nationwide, the largest declines in preterm birth occurred among babies born at 34 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, but the improvement was across the

board. Nationally, every racial and ethnic group benefitted, and the preterm birth rates for babies born at all stages of pregnancy improved.

Since 2006, Tennessee’s preterm birth rate has dropped to 12.8 percent. In Tennessee, the rate of late preterm births is 9.1% and the rate of uninsured women is 18.1%.
These factors contribute to improved infant health in Tennessee. It earned a star on the report card for:

• *  Reducing the percent of uninsured women of child-bearing age;
  
• * Lowering the late preterm birth rate.
  These improvements mean not just healthier babies, but also a potential savings in health care and economic costs to society.
  The March of Dimes attributed the improved rates to an expansion of successful programs and interventions, including actions by state health officials here and in 47 other states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, who formally set goals to lower their preterm birth rates 8 percent by 2014 from their 2009 rate.
  
  “We will continue to work together to improve access to health care, help women quit smoking and, through our Healthy Babies Are Worth the Wait consumer education campaign, encourage women and health care providers to avoid scheduling a delivery before 39 weeks of pregnancy unless medically necessary, says Valencia Nelson, Tennessee Director of Program Services.
  The United States again received a “C” on the March of Dimes Report Card. Grades are based on comparing each state’s and the nation’s 2011 preliminary preterm birth rates with the March of Dimes 2020 goal of 9.6 percent of all live births. The U.S. preterm birth rate is 11.7 percent, a decline of more than 8 percent from the peak of 12.8 percent in 2006.
  
  The Report Card information for the U.S. and states will be available online at: marchofdimes.com/reportcard.
  
  Preterm birth, birth before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy, is a serious health problem that costs the United States more than $26 billion annually, according to the Institute of Medicine. It is the leading cause of newborn death, and babies who survive an early birth often face the risk of lifetime health challenges, such as breathing problems, cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities and others. Even babies born just a few weeks early have higher rates of hospitalization and illness than full-term infants. At least 39 weeks of pregnancy are important to a baby’s health because many important organs, including the brain and lungs, are not completely developed until then.
  

On November 17th, partners from around the world will mark the Second World Prematurity Day in support of the Every Woman Every Child effort led by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. An estimated 15 million babies are born preterm and of those more than a million die as a result of their early birth.
Prematurity Awareness events are happening throughout November, including Blue Jeans for Babies events in Memphis, Jackson & Chattanooga, Signature Chefs Auctions in Memphis, Knoxville and Johnson City and Macy’s Community Shopping Day in Nashville. Details can be found at www.marchofdimes.com/Tennessee . Other updates & activities include......

• * Established a partnership with the Tennessee Department of Health, TN Initiative on Perinatal Quality Care, and TN Hospital Association to implement a Healthy Babies Are Worth The WaitTM education campaign to improve preventable late preterm rates, please visit http://www.healthytennesseebabies.com/ for more details.
  
• * Continue to fund evidenced based Centering Pregnancy programs designed to improve access to and utilization of prenatal health services;
  
• * Support Stork’s Nest programs to enhance prenatal care through partnerships with local Zeta Phi Beta Sororities to help address disparities in infant mortality and prematurity among African American communities;
  
• * Support innovative approaches to educate more women about the importance of being healthy before a pregnancy ever begins;
  
• * Provide informational support and risk reduction education to families affected by preterm birth through our NICU Family Support program;
  
• * Received more than $1 million dollars in research grants to find the answers to various contributors to poor birth outcomes;
  
  The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. 
  

Shop, Save And Help Babies

Are you getting ready to shop, save and give back?  

Visit your local Macy’s store starting today to purchase a $5 savings pass to use on August 25^th, Macy’s annual Shop For A Cause event benefiting the March of Dimes, the exclusive in-store beneficiary.   Best of all?  You can use your pass immediately!  Macy’s will hold your merchandise, and all you have to do is go back to the store on August 25^th and pick it up.  Join our event and spread the word so your friends and family can get in on the savings, too! http://bit.ly/QhMbYI

Tweeting about Macy’s Shop For A Cause on August 25th? Be sure to use the following language and hash tag so we can push readers to our Facebook event (http://on.fb.me/QxZs0b), which now has over 11,000 invites. Starting today you can buy a $5 pass & get extra 25% off at Macy's on 8/25 benefiting MOD. :0)  #shopforacause   http://on.fb.me/QxZs0b

Dear Friend, In time for back-to-school shopping, Macy's is offering the best deal of the year: 25% off. Get a $5 shopping pass at your local Macy's starting today, and enjoy storewide savings all day long on August 25. That's 25% off on the 25th on all regular, sale and clearance items*! The best part? You'll be helping babies. The March of Dimes is the exclusive national in-store beneficiary of Macy's Shop For A Cause. 100% of every shopping pass purchased goes to support research and programs that help moms have healthy pregnancies and babies start healthy lives. This offer is good for one day only. Don't miss out, get your shopping pass in store today, or visit macys.com on the 25th and add a $5 Shop For A Cause pass to your shopping bag to enjoy the savings at checkout. With your support, and the support of generous partners like Macy's, we can continue to make a difference in the lives of babies and their families. Thank you, March of Dimes P.S. A deal this good deserves to be shared. Tell your family and friends so they can sign up to receive an email reminder! And, join our Facebook event to get the latest and greatest updates! *Save 10% on electrics/electronics, watches, furniture, mattresses and rugs/floor coverings. March of Dimes does not endorse specific products or brands. This electronic message is sponsored by March of Dimes, a not-for-profit organization recognized as tax-exempt under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Donations to March of Dimes are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. For more information about the March of Dimes, visit our website at marchofdimes.com. To unsubscribe from this type of appeal, simply send us an email here and you will be removed from future appeals mailing lists. To unsubscribe from all March of Dimes correspondence, simply send us an email here and you will be immediately taken off our mailing list. © 2012 March of Dimes Foundation March of Dimes 1275 Mamaroneck Avenue White Plains, NY 10605

Personal Effects of Infant Mortality- Ketara Drake's Story

Ketara Drake is a recent graduate from the University of Memphis. She is a member of the USAF Air National Gaurd and plans to further her training and explore career opportunities in Public Affairs.
Not only is Ketara a brilliant and successful young woman, but she is also has experienced unfortunate events in her life that many 22 year olds have not. She submitted a story to the March of Dimes Memphis in order to spread the word about infant mortality. She wants everyone to be aware that this situation is REAL and can be changed with your help.

Here is Ketara's Story:

" On June 13, 2010, I found out that I was pregnant and that my due date was March 15, 2011. My family was shocked and a bit upset. I was a junior at the University of Memphis and having a baby at the time just did not fit in well with my future plans. As time went on they became thrilled and excited.

Photo: Ketara (left) during pregnancy
My six-month check-up had arrived on November 5 and we went to find out the gender of the baby. To our surprise, the ultrasound technician told us something was wrong. They didn't want to scare us...but it was too late.

She scheduled us an appointment with a specialist and our worst nightmares were coming true. Dr. BK revealed to us that my baby boy was sick and that he wasn't going to live. So, here I am excited that I now know the gender, but I'm also heartbroken that my little man was going to die.

I began to ask myself what could have caused this? Was this my fault? The doctor explained that it wasn't my fault. I went to all of my doctor's visits and I ate healthy foods, but sometimes things just happen. I felt defeated and betrayed. I did what I was supposed to do and nothing helped.

I continued to go to school full-time and work every night. Even though the pain inside of me was written on my face, I pushed through the next two months. I began to have contractions in January and I knew that this was too early, so my Papa rushed me to the hospital, and the doctor gave me some medicine to stop my labor. I went home that night. The next morning around 5:00 AM the contractions came back. This time I knew he was coming.

Photo: Cameron Antonio Gray

Photo: Ketara, Baby's Father, and Baby Cameron "Little Family"

Cameron Antonio Gray was born at 32 weeks on January 27, 2011 at 1:25 PM and he was pronounced dead an hour later. He came out with his gray eyes opened wide and a little cry came out of his mouth. After Cameron died, I was crying and felt alone. Even though people that loved me surrounded me, I still felt isolated.

Photo: Ketara's Family
My time with him was so limited and so special that I knew I was blessed for the experience. The doctor asked if I wanted to bury Cameron in a special place and I told her just bury him with all the other babies.

Picture: Babyland Burial Grounds

Cameron was buried in Babyland, a burial place that the state has designated for babies. The state takes care of all of the expenses. I felt more comfortable allowing the state to take care of the burial arrangements... I didn't have the strength. I received countless condolence letters from friends and family members. A few days later the health department conducted an interview to discuss my son and informed me that he was now considered a number in the Memphis infant mortality rate. I realized that my son was now another number in the Memphis infant mortality rate.

Although, my son's death was uncontrollable, I learned that so many of those babied buried in Babyland had a fighting chance. According to statistics, an infant dies in Shelby County every 43 hours. My son was one of them. I'm from zip code 38111 (Orange Mound, TN) and I am proud of my community. I know this may come as a shock, but this zip code has the highest infant  mortality rate in the country. I have great friends and family members that were raised in this community, and I believe in this community. I know that this zip cose has an unwritten talent and has undiscovered leaders, and now is the time to inspire others and take your position as a trailblazer.

After Cameron's death, I cried almost every night, but I was determined to inspire others through my loss. I remembered seeing posters up at FedEx about the March of Dimes. I appreciated the fact that they honered babies every year in their March for Babies walk. I had always heard about employees attending this walk and my mother always encouraged me to go even before Cameron's death. So, I knew that this was the year I would walk for Cameron.

Last year in my Public Relations class, I was assigned to work on the March of Dimes campaign and I felt so privilaged. It felt good knowing that the same organization that supports mother's like me now could use my support.

... I'm here to advocate for my son. I saw him fight for his life and die fighting. I here to encourage you to fight for our babies. Fight for those who do not have the strength to fight. On April 28, we will walk. Memphis will walk for our babies.

I have volunteeered my time and the community need you to volunteer your time and change these numbers. They say that experience is the best teacher; well I've shared my experience, so please let my experience be the teacher. ... I grew up in a single mother household with 5 siblings. I have seen the power of education and discipline. I have overcome every obstacle thrown my way. I know the pain you suffer and the fears you have, but I also know that we are stronger than our struggle and we can reduce these numbers by taking advantage of programs offered by the March of Dimes.

Losing my child affected not only me but also my family and friends. I'm trying to prevent you from experiencing this same hurt. I'm giving you my time so please lend me your ears. These are three things I'm asking of you:

1. Use protection at all times. If you fail to protect yourself, then you are planning on accepting the consquences that follow.

2. If you do become pregnant, take care of your health and try to have your baby no earlier than 39 weeks. Research shows that important organs aren't fully developed before 39 weeks. Also, eat healthy, avoid smoking, drinking or intense stress while you're pregnant.

3. Go to the doctor! Seek out and take advantage of all the free prenatal care than the community offers. If you have questions and you can't find the answer, research it and ask someone you trust.

Let's take advantage of the life we were given and let's make a change that makes headlines. "

A Prematurity Story "Kyle & Kraig Juelfs"

Michelle Hall is a beautiful mother from Memphis that unfortunately had to experience the birth of her twins prematurely. She has overcame a devestating time in her life and wants to inform people about how serious prematurity is. She is a supporter of the March of Dimes, and now she has the chance to share her story below:

"On November 4, 2004, I gave birth to identical twin boys at 25 weeks gestation--Kyle (weighing 1 lb 3 oz) was born sleeping, having been crushed when my water broke and Kraig was taken immediately to the NICU where he spent the next 11 weeks. Kraig, weighing just 1 pound 13 ounces overcame many obstacles and endured many procedures "common" for premature infants--daily blood tests, numerous x-rays, infections treated with IV antibiotics, central line IVs, blood transfusions, apnea/bradycardia spells, oxygen administration, and several resuscitation efforts.

He came home in January 2005 on oxygen, underwent laser eye surgery at 12 weeks of age (the week after he came home), continues to be monitored bi-annually by a pediatric ophthalmologist and annually by a retina specialist. He has also received physical, occupational, and speech therapy. However, he is now a happy, healthy 7 year old and very much looking forward to his baptism later this year!!! He wears glasses for nearsightedness, partly due to the ROP and partly due to genetics.

He talks (and acts) like a little man--he has his own way of thinking, which we call Kraigisms--and he LOVES watching Cupcake Wars (and then helping me bake cupcakes!) He attended special needs preschool for pervasive development disorder and made tremendous progress and will be entering the 2nd grade this year...so well that he tested out of special ed/resource services by the end of his kindergarten year. "

Photo:

Top Left: Kyle
Bottom Left: Kraig at birth
Bottom Right: Kraig current (April 2012)

Very cute babies. It is SO amazing to hear this success story about Kraig. Thank you Michelle Hall for sharing your story with us.

Please visit our website http://www.marchofdimes.com/tennessee/ for information about March of Dimes and to donate to help save babies like Kyle & Kraig.

March of Dimes Hosts Kangaroo Care-a-Thon in NICU

Care-A-Thon Raises Awareness for Kangaroo Care in NICU

The Regional Medical Center at Memphis (also known as "The Med") partnered up with the March of Dimes and hosted a 15-day "Kangaroo Care-a-thon". The purpose of this event was to raise awareness to  families the Center's employees about the benefits of "Kangaroo Care".

What is Kangaroo Care?

"Kangaroo Care" is the skin-to-skin contact between a parent and their child for a long period of time. This contact provides so many benefits for both parent and child, such as bonding and improved outcomes of the relationship.

When in the NICU,  new-born babies are attached to various equipment, wires, and monitors for survival. Although this is necessary for the health of the baby, it is important to remember that these babies need attachment and great bonding to their parent, too.

When was the Kangaroo-a-thon?

The event began May 15, 2012, the 1st Internation Kangaroo Care Awareness Day, and continued until May 30, 2012.  The goal was to enlist at least 15 families in Kangaroo Care during these dates.
A "Kangaroo Care Kit" was presented each time a family "kangarooed" for the first time. The "Kangaroo Care Kit" opportunity was from the courtsey of March of Dimes volunteers.
Also, each parent and their nurse were entered into a drawing to receive a special gift basket at the end of the Care-a-thon.

Picture: Karen Hill, March of Dimes NICU Family Support Specialist and Megan Pentecost, NICU nurse and winner of the special gift basket.

Congrats to all for championing "Kangaroo Care" and supporting the benefits of skin-to-skin contact and care for babies and their families!

For the full article click here-->The Med and March of Dimes Host "Care-a-thon"

Infant Mortality Rate-Memphis

Every year in the United States, more than half a million babies are born too soon, 11,512 of them right here in Tennessee.

With your help, we work to improve the health of babies and support families if something does go wrong. 


Memphis is plagued with the highest infant mortality rate in the NATION. More babies here do not survive their first year of life than other babies in THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES such as Cuba and Slovenia.

Visit www.marchofdimes.com/tennessee for information about our Chapter and to donate.