Alicia Lee, MHA’s Post

Today March of Dimes released our 2024 Report Card, showcasing the state of mom and baby health in our country and in Georgia. Since the initial release in 2008, one thing that has remained constant: an alarmingly high preterm birth rate. In Georgia, 1 in 10 babies is born before 37 weeks gestation, and stark disparities exist between our Black and white babies. The US must prioritize the health of its moms and babies. We can change the tide of the maternal and infant health crisis by taking urgent action today to help ensure a healthy tomorrow for all families. We can all make a profound impact for today and future generations by investing in our communities, advocating for policy change, and raising funds for critical research and programs. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/dBDwAzHY #marchofdimes #2024reportcard #healthequity

Living in Atlanta for the past 4.5 years now this report card hits different. The March of Dimes 2024 Report Card is a huge reminder of the work we must continue to do to address the maternal and infant health crisis. One of the most profound ways we can create lasting change is by investing in our communities. Strong, connected communities foster support systems that are critical for moms, babies, and families. From ensuring access to quality prenatal care to providing education and resources, communities are the front lines in combating disparities and improving outcomes. Investing in community can take many forms: • supporting local maternal health programs • building networks of care for new moms • simply creating spaces where families feel seen, valued, and supported These efforts, combined with advocacy for systemic policy change and funding for groundbreaking research, can help turn the tide for maternal and infant health. #mch #maternalchildhealth #equity #blackmamas

Georgia’s consistently high rate of preterm births demonstrates the urgent need to focus on building strong, localized networks of care and support. When communities come together, we create a foundation for better maternal and infant health outcomes. Investing in community means: • Expanding access to and awareness of quality prenatal and postpartum care. • Strengthening local programs that connect families with resources like mental health services, nutrition support, and education. • Building peer networks that ensure no mom or family feels isolated during this critical time. By strengthening local efforts alongside systemic policy reform, we can create lasting change for maternal and infant health. What community-driven initiatives have you seen make an impact?

Your #MarchForBabies donations help us fight for the health of all moms and babies. It's not too late to start fundraising! Sign up to join the movement at http://marchforbabies.org 💜Programs, education, and advocacy: March of Dimes reaches 50K families of preterm or sick babies through NICU Family Support®, brings critical care to women with Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers®, and provides PeriStats for the latest data on maternal and infant health. We also train healthcare professionals, educate families, and advocate for health equity. 🔬Research: To address the maternal and infant health crisis, we fund innovative research, investing nearly $6M across 42 awardees, uncovering breakthroughs with 5 Prematurity Research Centers, publishing 82 articles, and supporting early-stage ventures through our Innovation Fund. 🤝Community collaboration: We collaborate with over 20K volunteers and partners to support moms and babies everywhere. March for Babies brings together families, volunteers, corporate partners, and communities, helping raise $26M to go back into our mission.

As we celebrate mothers everywhere, let's remember those facing unimaginable challenges. This Mother’s Day let's make an impact by giving the gift of hope to moms, like Britt, facing medical challenges. Your donation can provide hope and healing to families in need at Stanford Children's Health | Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. Here are some ways your donation will help: 🌸 Give children and expectant mothers in our community the absolute best care, regardless of their ability to pay.  🌸 Discover revolutionary treatments for patients who need new hope by supporting our physicians and scientists researching the next breakthrough.  🌸 Provide mothers with psychosocial support and resources to address postpartum depression and anxiety because the emotional toll of what moms go through can be so overwhelming.  🌸 Give families assistance with everyday needs like lodging and food so they can focus on what matters most: their health. Join us in supporting children's health this Mother's Day to give hope to moms like Britt. Link in below to support. 🩷 https://lnkd.in/gpzWXqab

The Empathy Toolkit also includes a Belittling Agility Narrowing Device (BAND). In the workbook, students are told to wrap the device around the back of their hand, around their pinky finger and thumb. This will give their hand limited mobility, mimicking the effects of paralysis, joint issues or injury. They are then tasked with performing every-day tasks such as teeth-brushing, with the BAND in place. They then switch hands, do it again, and record their thoughts.    We need some help to continue distributing the Empathy Toolkits. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to Lifetime of Impact, a project of San Francisco Public Health Foundation.    https://lnkd.in/g5Cya2r6

The Empathy Toolkit also includes a Belittling Agility Narrowing Device (BAND). In the workbook, students are told to wrap the device around the back of their hand, around their pinky finger and thumb. This will give their hand limited mobility, mimicking the effects of paralysis, joint issues or injury. They are then tasked with performing every-day tasks such as teeth-brushing, with the BAND in place. They then switch hands, do it again, and record their thoughts.    We need some help to continue distributing the Empathy Toolkits. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to Lifetime of Impact, a project of San Francisco Public Health Foundation.    https://lnkd.in/gRmkSRqw

November 17th is World Prematurity Day, a time to raise awareness about the global challenge of preterm birth and to honor the tiny fighters born too soon. Each year, 15 million babies are born prematurely, facing immense hurdles from the moment they enter the world. These babies—and their families—rely on the support, resources, and research that organizations like the March of Dimes provide to ensure every child gets the best possible start in life. Cindy Rahman, MBA and the team at the March of Dimes have been a beacon of hope, leading the fight for the health of all moms and babies. From groundbreaking research to policy advocacy and community programs, their efforts have been pivotal in improving care for preemies and advancing treatments to reduce premature birth rates. As we recognize the strength of these tiny warriors and their families, let's also take a moment to appreciate the tireless work of healthcare professionals, researchers, and advocates who make a difference every single day. Let’s continue supporting initiatives that help every baby reach full term and thrive. If you can, consider getting involved or donating to the March of Dimes. #WorldPrematurityDay #MarchOfDimes #MainlineMoments

The Empathy Toolkit also includes a Belittling Agility Narrowing Device (BAND). In the workbook, students are told to wrap the device around the back of their hand, around their pinky finger and thumb. This will give their hand limited mobility, mimicking the effects of paralysis, joint issues or injury. They are then tasked with performing every-day tasks such as teeth-brushing, with the BAND in place. They then switch hands, do it again, and record their thoughts.    We need some help to continue distributing the Empathy Toolkits. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to Lifetime of Impact, a project of San Francisco Public Health Foundation.    https://lnkd.in/gRmkSRqw

The Ascension Foundation for Health Equity recently awarded over $1 million in Catalyst Grants to support nonprofits nationwide, helping new mothers and their families thrive. One of the recipients, Renewal House in Nashville, offers life-changing addiction treatment for women and their children, meeting the unique challenges faced by underserved communities. Learn more about Renewal House: renewalhouse.org. Learn more about how Ascension is supporting mothers and their children at https://lnkd.in/eRmFqvYQ.