(4/06/10) – McLeod Health has long been a supporter of the March of Dimes and its mission to improve the health of all newborns. The March of Dimes works to give all babies a fighting chance against the threats to their health by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. They carry out this mission through research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies’ lives.
Each week in our state, 173 premature babies are born, or 1 in 6 babies. McLeod Health is participating in the 2010 March of Dimes March for Babies as a part of our mission to improve the health of our community.

McLeod Health will host a Community Yard Sale fundraiser for the March of Dimes Saturday, April 10 from 6:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the McLeod Health and Fitness Center. Those interesting in donating gently used items for the sale may drop off the items at the McLeod Health and Fitness Center on Thursday, April 8 from 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., and on Friday, April 9 from 8:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. In case of inclement weather, the yard sale will be held in a covered location. For more information, please call (843) 777 – 5432.

As one of seven Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s (NICU’s) in the state, the McLeod NICU provides care to over 400 critically ill newborn infants each year. McLeod is also the designated Regional Perinatal Center for northeastern South Carolina and provides transport services for high-risk or critical babies from community hospitals within the Pee Dee.

March for Babies is a way for our community members to form teams and raise money for a worthy cause. This year’s walk will be held Saturday, May 1 at the Florence Rail Trail’s entrance behind the McLeod Health and Fitness Center. You can join the McLeod March for Babies Team today by registering online at www.marchforbabies.org/team/t1329257.