March for Babies

Doug Hawthorne, chief executive officer of Texas Health Resources, is chairman of the 2009 Dallas-Fort Worth March for Babies. Supporting the March of Dimes and its mission for healthy babies is a close tie to the Texas Health mission of improving the health of people in the communities it serves.

Following is an open letter from Hawthorne about the 2009 March for Babies:

As a health system CEO, parent of five, and a grandparent to three beautiful baby girls, the health of babies and new mothers is an issue close to my heart. As CEO of Texas Health Resources, the largest hospital system in North Texas in patients served, every day I see the impact of babies born with birth defects and the harm caused by not seeking appropriate prenatal medical care. Supporting the March of Dimes and its mission for healthy babies is a close tie to the Texas Health mission of improving the health of people in the communities it serves.

Across the country, every three and a half minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect.

Texas Health CEO Doug Hawthorne and his granddaughter, Bailey

I signed on to be chairman of the 2009 March for Babies because we want every child born in our hospitals, and throughout our community, to be a healthy baby. The March of Dimes is committed to supporting research and education efforts that are designed to do just that. Alongside the March of Dimes, Texas Health Resources employees and physicians on the medical staff at our hospitals are constantly looking to improve prenatal and childbirth education to reduce the rates of birth defects, premature births and infant mortality. Those efforts are aimed not just at the more than 26,000 babies born in our 13 hospitals during 2007, but for all babies.

Texas Health hospitals partner with March of Dimes to offer programs which have been nationally recognized. Two of our flagship hospitals, Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, are among 16 of the nation's leading hospitals working to redefine perinatal care as part of a national initiative to eliminate preventable birth injuries. Presbyterian Hospital of Allen was recently recognized as the first hospital in the state of Texas to be awarded the "Baby-Friendly Hospital" designation by the World Health Organization.

In my chairmanship of the 2009 March for Babies, I have asked other health care providers to work hand-in-hand with me to raise money to help every born in North Texas.  Last year, the March for Babies raised more than $3 million to fund research and area programs aimed at educating mothers-to-be. My goal for 2009 is to raise $3.4 million by working closely with other health systems and members of the community.

Please join me in raising money for research and education programs to reduce prematurity, birth defects and infant mortality in conjunction with the March of Dimes 2009 March for Babies. Every baby born in North Texas thanks you for your support.

Sincerely,

Doug Hawthorne

March for Babies 2009 Fact Sheet

Where is March For Babies?
The Dallas March For Babies event takes place at Norbuck Park-White Rock Lake.

How big is March For Babies?
Now in its 39th year, March For Babies is expected to draw over a half million walkers nationally.  Locally, over 35,000 people representing over 400 companies and organizations came together in an effort to raise over $3.0 million.

Walker Demographics:
The following demographics encompass the average March For Babies participant.

• 51% have an income over $50,000 and 33% have an income over $75,000
• 84% are female
• 83% are women aged 25 to 54
• 49% have children
• 47% are married
• 84% have a college education or higher

How can people get involved in March For Babies?
They can walk as individuals or as part of a team. Walkers ask friends, family, business associates and others to sponsor them by making a donation to the March of Dimes. Others prefer to volunteer their time to help with day-of event activities such as staffing checkpoints, assisting with clean up or passing out refreshments.

How does a prospective team or individual register for March For Babies?
To join a Texas Health Resources walk team, go to www.marchforbabies.com.

1. Click on "Join a Team"
2. Type in Texas Health Resources for the team name
3. Select Texas Health Resources to see a list of teams for our hospitals and system services
4. Select the team you want to join and follow the directions to register and set up your profile

How are the funds raised used in Texas?
In Texas, 80 percent of the funds raised in March For Babies are used to support local and national educational programs and medical research.

• Prematurity research initiative-working to find the causes of preterm birth and develop methods of prevention.
• Folic Acid Campaign-spreading the lifesaving message about folic acid, a B vitamin that may help prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.
• Health care coverage-helping ensure that all children and pregnant women get coverage so they can receive the health care they need and deserve.
• March of Dimes Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center-an online resource center providing information on hundreds of pregnancy topics from how to spot the signs of preterm labor to what kind of tests your newborn will receive in the hospital. A great place to go if you're expecting or if you just need information.

What is the March of Dimes?
Everyday hundreds of babies are born prematurely, some so small they could fit in the palm of a hand.  Vulnerable and unready to meet the world, these tiny babies must struggle just to survive. But they're not alone in their battle. The March of Dimes helps them win their fight.  Our lifesaving research means hope for the 450,000 babies born too soon each year, and for the 150,000 babies born each year with disabling or fatal birth defects.  Our advocacy and educational campaigns are letting women and men know about the steps they can take to have a healthy baby.  With your help, we will reach the day when all babies get a healthy start in life.