The March of Dimes and Kansas Department of Health and Environment have announced that they have accepted a challenge from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) to reduce the rate of premature birth by 8% by the end of 2014.  The March of Dimes 2012 Premature Birth Report Card shows that the premature birth rate in Kansas is currently at 11.2%.  This 8% reduction will bring Kansas to 10.3%, which translates to roughly 350 babies.

“We are glad to work with March of Dimes and accept the challenge by ASTHO to lower our preterm birth rate,” said Robert Moser, M.D., KDHE Secretary and State Health Officer. “We know that Kansas babies and their families will benefit from our efforts. KDHE has many programs in place addressing this health indicator, and this new opportunity to partner only strengthens those initiatives.”

“We don’t know everything about premature birth, but we know there are steps that can make a difference, such as improving access to health care, providing community education and ending early elective deliveries,” said Ken Jackson, Kansas State Director, March of Dimes. “We applaud Dr. Moser and KDHE for taking the initiative to implement proven strategies to address this problem.”