Seven Washington Organizations Receive Almost $126,000 Through March of Dimes Awards ...( SEATTLE Jan. 30 -- A low-income woma...),Health

SEATTLE, Jan. 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A low-income woman receives vitamins to prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. A pregnant woman is educated on the link between periodontal disease and preterm and low birth weight deliveries and is then given the tools to improve her oral health. Asian- and Spanish-speaking women learn the signs of preterm labor.

These, and many more at-risk populations, are now being helped through local grants announced today by the March of Dimes. In all, seven organizations in Washington state received 2009 funds totaling $125,580. (See list of organizations below.)

"Our grants provide funds for grass-roots organizations that help women who are often unable to access the health care system or appropriate social services due to financial, language or other barriers," said Lisa Talbott, MPH, March of Dimes Program and Public Affairs Director. "We're grateful that our successful fundraising efforts, such as March for Babies, make it possible for us to support new community-based efforts to help more babies to be born healthy."

Helping Washington babies win

Last year in Washington state, 9,190 babies were born prematurely and each day, the March of Dimes was there to help them win. The March of Dimes carries out its mission of preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality through programs of research, community services, education and advocacy.

For example, in 2008, the March of Dimes successfully worked to add 15 additional disorders that are tested at birth. Washington state now screens for 27 conditions. All of these disorders have lifesaving treatments available which enable the baby to live a normal, healthy life. Through cutting edge research over the past three years, Washington Chapter of the March of Dimes invested $6,331,803 in research programs in Washington sta
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