The March of Dimes today announced its 2010 Colorado funding for mom and baby health programs. In total, the organization will invest $1,959,227 in research, services, education and advocacy programs.
Eight medical research grants totaling $1,698,446 are being funded. These continuing, multiyear projects focus largely on understanding and preventing infant health problems such as birth defects and premature birth. Grantees include Jennifer DeLuca, Ph.D., of Colorado State University and Mark Winey, Ph.D., of the University of Colorado - Boulder. University of Colorado - Denver grantees are: Eva Grayck, M.D., Caroline Kulesza, Ph.D., James McManaman, Ph.D., Changwei Lui, Ph.D., Matthew Taylor, M.D., Ph.D., and Virginia Winn, M.D., Ph.D.
Also funded is $241,848 in community services. A portion of this is for grants bringing a model of prenatal care called CenteringPregnancy to expectant women served by Clinica Family Health Services in the Boulder area, Peak Vista in Southern Colorado and Salud Family Health Centers in the metro area and Fort Collins. Additionally, the Colorado chapter will fund the development of its own health education campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of late preterm birth, plus continue its operation of NICU Family Support. Housed at The Children's Hospital, this program offers services to families of critically ill babies.
Advocacy programs and other health education efforts will total an additional $18,933 this year.
Prenatal diet in line with USDA guidelines promotes healthy birthweights