Preemie Magazine and March of Dimes Join Forces to Educate and Support Parents of Premature Children

Springfield, VA — Preemie Magazine and the March of Dimes announced a partnership today as the two organizations embark on a mission to bring much-needed resources and information to parents of the more than 500,000 premature infants born every year in the United States.

Preemie Magazine is the nation’s leading publication for families with premature children and the professionals who serve them. Working with the March of Dimes, the nation’s leader in premature birth research, maternal and infant health, these two organizations will focus on providing families of preemies with comprehensive education and support.

“Preemie Magazine is excited to be working with the March of Dimes,” says publisher Deb Discenza. “As strategic partners, we hope to reach many more preemie families and professionals in need of the hard-to-find resources and support so vital to their child’s—and their own—health and happiness.”

Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes, says "Parents of premature babies have unique informational and emotional needs. We are proud to partner with Preemie Magazine to provide education and hope to thousands of families.”

Together, Preemie Magazine and the March of Dimes will work to reach more preemie parents and professionals through the print publication, websites and other special projects. Preemie Magazine will launch a column by Dr. Scott Berns, M.D., MPH, Vice President of Chapter Programs for the March of Dimes, in its Spring 2006 issue. That issue will also be distributed at the March of Dimes’ more than 200 March of Dimes offices across the country.

“As a pediatrician, I’m delighted to have this opportunity to speak directly to parents who have experienced a premature birth,” says Dr. Berns. “We hope that the information and education that the March of Dimes provides helps families during a difficult journey.”

About Preemie Magazine
Preemie Magazine is the premier magazine and online resource for preemie parents and professionals. Created by the mother of a premature infant and supported by a staff with personal NICU experience, Preemie Magazine is a free source of much-needed information with a mission to empower and educate the preemie community. To learn more, visit Preemie Magazine’s website at www.preemiemagazine.com.

About the March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Web site at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish language Web site at nacersano.org.