Kristie McNealy, MD

In a country where the rate of premature birth continues to rise unchecked, and public awareness of the problems associated with prematurity is almost non existent, groups of students are working to make a difference. In the past three years, University of Florida’s March of Dimes Collegiate Council has raised $135,000 in its annual GatorWalk. In addition, highschool students in Gainesville’s Chain Reaction decorated area high schools and businesses in pink and blue this year, and set up educational information in their cafeterias for Prematurity Awareness Month.

Why are so many students in Gainesville involved in raising funds and awareness for prematurity? The answer is simple – they start young. Cherie Rubin, the March of Dimes youth development director for the North Central Florida Division, makes presentations to 60 elementary schools each year. They start with simple presentations to kindergartners, and add on each year, developing a foundation for active participation in fundraising and educational efforts in high school.

The great results shown in Florida beg the question, why aren’t more March of Dimes chapters following suit? Maybe they are, and we just aren’t hearing about it . . .

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