The rate of prematurity in the state of Ohio has risen from 12.5% in 2004 to 13% in 2005, which is slightly higher than the national rate of 12.7% in 2005. In response to the release of this new birth data, Ohio lawmakers joined together to form the Ohio Prematurity Caucus. This non-partisan group will work to raise public awareness of the health problems associated with prematurity and to create policies related to preventing premature birth, in an effort to come closer to the Healthy People 2010 objective of having a prematurity rate of no more than 7.6% of all births by 2010. Speakers will educate caucus members about the facts surrounding both the health and financial consequences of prematurity.

After coming across a press release about the caucus in Ohio, I spent a little time googling for similar programs here in Colorado. I found an initiative by medical and non-profit groups, but nothing involving the legislature. Perhaps I didn’t search long enough, but if that’s the case, they certainly aren’t getting anywhere with raising public awareness. What about the rest of you. Is your state legislature doing anything to fight the problem of prematurity? If not, do you see this move by the state of Ohio as a call to action for other states? Let us know here.

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