what is the march of dimes?

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The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The mission is accomplished through research, community service, public and professional education and advocacy.

North Carolina has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country, ranking 45th out of 50. More than 1,000 babies die before their first birthday each year. Premature birth is the leading cause of infant death in North Carolina.

North Carolina has one of the highest rates of preterm birth in the country, ranking 41st. Each year more than 26,000 babies are born too soon, too small or too sick in the state - the equivalent of more than 1,046 kindergarten classrooms. Premature birth accounts for more than one-third of all infant deaths.

In North Carolina, African-American babies are more than twice as likely to die before their first birthdays as Caucasian babies. Premature birth can happen to any woman no matter how well she takes care of herself before and during her pregnancy.

In 2006, the March of Dimes funded more than $88 million in research grants nationally. The March of Dimes funded more than $2.3 million in research at North Carolina hospitals and institutions including Duke University, UNC at Chapel Hill, Carolinas Medical Center, East Carolina University and NC State University.

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