The March of Dimes will kick off the 2011 March for Babies fund raising campaign in Union County Tuesday, Aug. 9, at noon at the USC Union library.

Individuals, families and business throughout Union County are invited to attend and start raising funds for March for Babies. The local Ambassador Family, the Vinsons, will be present at the kick off to tell the story of the recent birth of their daughter, Bethany. Born at 29 weeks and only 2.9 pounds, Bethany had to spend the first 55 days of her life in the NICU.

March for Babies raises funds for vital research to help prevent premature birth and birth defects. Funds raised also support community programs that help moms have full-term pregnancies. The most urgent infant health problem in the U.S. today is premature birth. It affects more than half a million babies each year, with the number growing every day. Last November, the March of Dimes issued the annual Prematurity Report Card, giving the nation a “D” and South Carolina an “F” for the third year in a row.

“Participating in March for Babies is important for families and businesses alike,” David Taylor, sheriff of Union County and March for Babies 2011 co-chair, said. “Whether you join the event to celebrate a baby in your life or to honor one who did not survive, this community can walk together for stronger, healthier babies!”

Each year, the South Carolina Chapter of the March of Dimes invests more than 1.5 million dollars in mission initiatives statewide, including research grants and local community services. Through these program services, the March of Dimes continues working to prevent birth defects and infant death, reduce South Carolina’s premature birth rate, increase access to prenatal care and educate men and women about having healthy babies.

In Union County, March for Babies is sponsored by Wallace Thomson Hospital, Walmart, and WBCU Radio. The March for Babies is sponsored nationally by the March of Dimes number one corporate supporter Kmart, Farmers Insurance Group, Bayer HealthCare, CIGNA, Continental Airlines, Famous Footwear, FedEx, Sanofi Pasteur, First Response, and Mission Pharmacal.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.