The birth of a child is a moment of unparalleled joy, but for many families, the journey to parenthood is fraught with unexpected challenges. Premature birth and neonatal complications affect hundreds of thousands of mothers across the United States, highlighting the critical need for support and resources in maternal healthcare. In our efforts to champion the cause of healthy pregnancies and infants, NPHC, Inc. – Houston is proud to announce our partnership with March of Dimes and our commitment to raising funds for March for Babies®.
Black American maternal health statistics in the US paint a stark picture of disparity and urgency. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black mothers are more than twice as likely to experience preterm birth compared to their white counterparts. In 2022, the rate of preterm birth among African-American women (14.6%) was about 50 percent higher than the rate of preterm birth among white or Hispanic women (9.4% and 10.1% respectively). Additionally, the maternal mortality rate among Black women is significantly higher, with Black mothers facing a mortality rate three to four times higher than white mothers. These statistics underscore the urgent need for targeted support and interventions to address the systemic issues contributing to disparities in maternal health outcomes.
As members of the NPHC Houston community, we recognize the importance of raising both funds and awareness to support Black maternal health outcomes. March of Dimes has been at the forefront of maternal and infant health advocacy for decades, funding lifesaving research and programs aimed at ensuring more mothers have healthy, full-term pregnancies. By supporting March for Babies®, we can contribute to these efforts and make a tangible difference in the lives of mothers and babies in our community and beyond.
We invite you to join us in this vital mission by becoming a part of our March for Babies team. Together, we can work towards our fundraising goal of $4,500, which will directly support March of Dimes’ initiatives to improve maternal and infant health outcomes. Your participation and contribution will help fund critical research, support programs, and advocacy efforts that are instrumental in addressing the unique needs of Black mothers and babies.
Getting started is simple. Visit our team page at https://www.marchforbabies.org/team/nphchouston and click “join this team” to become a part of our fundraising efforts. Whether you choose to donate, participate in the walk, or share our campaign with your network, your support will make a meaningful impact. Together, we can create a future where every mother has access to the care and resources she needs for a healthy pregnancy and every baby has the opportunity to thrive.
Our March for Babies event will take place on May 5, 2024, at the University of Houston. We would be honored to have you join us for this inspiring and impactful event. Together, let’s march towards a future where every baby is born healthy and every mother receives the support she deserves.
#MarchForBabies #MarchOfDimes #MakingAnImpact