March of Dimes, Amerigroup Foundation Continue Efforts to Prevent Premature Births

Prematurity is the No. 1 killer of babies in the U.S., and babies born even a few weeks early have higher rates of illness and hospitalization compared to full-term newborns. March of Dimes received a $50,000 Amerigroup Foundation grant to help prevent premature birth and improve the health of moms and babies. This grant was presented at the Reno County Health Department, and mothers and participants of the program were in attendance with their babies.

In addition to the toll on families, economic costs for prematurity are estimated at more than $26 billion annually by the National Academy of Medicine.

“Although a lot of progress has been made to prevent premature birth and improve mom and baby health, it’s critical that we continue to ensure programs are available and expanded to reach growing and diverse communities,” Frank Clepper, president at Amerigroup Kansas, said. “We’re proud to team with the March of Dimes in its efforts to drive cutting-edge research, treatment and outreach to give every baby a healthy start in life.”