Assemblymember Harry Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) is pleased to join Debbie Stamps, EdD, MS, RN, GNP, NE-BC, Eastern Region, Vice President, Chief Nursing Officer, Newark-Wayne Community Hospital and Clifton Springs Hospital, Board Chair, March of Dimes Genesee Valley/Finger Lakes Division, Eric Bieber, MD, President and CEO, Rochester Regional Health, Jennifer L. Howse, Ph.D., President, March of Dimes Foundation, Rebecca Alley (Ambassador Parent), RN, MS, Nurse Manager, Women’s Center’s, GYN, Oncology, Antenatal and Rochester General Pediatric Associates and March for Babies Chairs: Tara Gellasch, MD, Rochester Regional Health , Eugene Toy, MD, Rochester Regional Health, Claire Crean, Division Director, March of Dimes Genesee Valley/Finger Lakes Division to make a make policy announcement designed to enhance the health of infants and their mothers.

First tackling the devastation of infantile paralysis, and then focusing on the prevention of birth defects to promote effective prenatal care programs focusing on reducing low birth weight and infant mortality, and today fighting to end preterm births and the complications that accompany those premature deliveries, the March of Dimes has always fulfilled its promise to generations of families. Their work continues on all fronts as the March of Dimes, through education, research and medical advancements, improves the health and healthcare of the infants and their mothers.

Part of that work now includes helping employers understand the cost savings they can realize through prenatal care and early intervention.

“With the launch of “Babies, Business and the Bottom Line” initiative, the March of Dimes is partnering with employers and their employees to prevent premature deliveries,” said Assemblymember Harry Bronson. “The cost saving incentives associated with the March of Dimes campaign is designed to promote a healthy life through a healthful workplace.”

“March of Dimes – the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health – is thrilled to have Assemblymember Bronson join us for Babies, Business and the Bottom Line to discuss the impact of premature birth on businesses in Rochester,” said Tony Vecchiotti, March of Dimes New York Chapter Advocacy & Government Affairs Committee. “Prematurity costs New York State approximately $1.3 billion each year. Employers in the US spend $12 billion on claims related to prematurity and complicated births. By investing in the prevention of preterm birth, employers can help families and rein in their health care costs at the same time. The March of Dimes is leading the way to reducing the premature birth rate, as well as the costs associated with an early delivery.”