March of Dimes champions maternal and infant health through data-backed advocacy. Addressing alarming US statistics on preterm birthrates and disparities, their multifaceted approach targets policy reform and innovative solutions. They highlight regional divides and racial disparities, emphasizing the urgency for equitable access to healthcare. The organization spearheads change by advocating for Medicaid extensions, paid family leave, and investing in groundbreaking medical technologies, aligning efforts to combat the crisis.
March of Dimes, renowned for research in maternal and infant health, amplifies the significance of advocacy in propelling substantial change. Amidst disheartening US statistics revealing stark disparities, they emphasize the crucial role of policy interventions and pioneering medical solutions. Alarming preterm birthrates, regional divides, and racial disparities underscore the urgency for systemic reforms. Their approach targets healthcare accessibility, aiming to bridge gaps in support and care for marginalized communities, fostering a collective effort to confront and alleviate the escalating crisis.
Maternal and infant health in the United States stands at a critical juncture, with distressing statistics underscoring the urgency for change. While renowned for its research initiatives, March of Dimes underscores the pivotal role of advocacy in catalyzing substantial progress in this domain.
Embracing a multifaceted approach, March of Dimes amalgamates its data-driven initiatives with robust advocacy strategies, steering towards policy interventions and innovative medical solutions to combat the escalating crisis in maternal and infant health across the nation.
Elizabeth Cherot, MD, President, and CEO of March of Dimes, vocalized a sentiment of dismay regarding the harrowing health outcomes for Native American and Black women and infants in the US. The organization’s recent report, grading the US with a D+ for pre-term birthrates, underscores the glaring disparities and challenges plaguing the country’s maternal and infant health landscape.
The disheartening reality unfolds as the US grapples with the ignominious status of harboring the poorest maternal health outcomes among developed nations. Alarming trends further manifest in fetal and infant health, with preventable issues such as congenital syphilis exhibiting a concerning upsurge, as highlighted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Central to March of Dimes’ advocacy focus is the alarming preterm birthrate, standing at 10.4 percent in 2022. Cherot emphasizes that this metric serves as a crucial indicator due to the consequential health implications for prematurely born infants, including heightened mortality risks and potential long-term health challenges.
The report delineates not only a national struggle but also stark regional disparities. Cherot emphasizes that while progress has been made in 32 states to reduce preterm birthrates, the efforts are undermined by the escalating rates in 14 states, primarily concentrated in the Southeastern region of the US.
The glaring regional divide catalyzes March of Dimes to scrutinize policy frameworks and their impact. Questions arise concerning Medicaid extensions in states with higher preterm birthrates and the presence of maternity care deserts exacerbating risk factors.
Racial disparities persist as a distressing reality, with the preterm birthrate for Black birthing people being 1.5 times higher than their White counterparts. Cherot highlights the jarring statistics, noting the similar disparities mirrored in maternal and infant mortality rates, underscoring systemic issues in access to care and support.
Identifying clear risk factors for preterm birth such as chronic diseases and inadequate healthcare access, March of Dimes asserts the imperative nature of their mission. They underscore that addressing the maternal and infant health crisis necessitates concerted efforts from policymakers, healthcare experts, and advocacy entities to instigate tangible solutions.
March of Dimes actively engages in advocacy endeavors aimed at facilitating healthcare accessibility during and after pregnancy. They highlight positive strides made by states in extending Medicaid benefits, introducing paid family leave policies, reimbursing doula care, and instituting review committees for maternal and infant mortality.
Additionally, through its Innovation Fund, March of Dimes invests in pioneering solutions to aid mothers and birthing individuals. With a focus on innovative technologies enhancing maternal care, they have funded ventures catering to continuous blood pressure monitoring for babies, fetal heart rate monitoring, and postpartum services for high-risk chronic conditions.
In essence, March of Dimes stands at the forefront, heralding a call for action in the realm of maternal and infant health. Through their data-driven advocacy, they navigate the complexities of preterm birth rates, regional disparities, and racial inequities. Stressing the importance of policy reforms and innovative interventions, they advocate for accessible healthcare and support systems. Their initiatives, spanning Medicaid extensions, paid family leave, and investment in groundbreaking technologies, envision a future where comprehensive care diminishes disparities and ensures healthier outcomes for mothers and infants nationwide.
