A recent grant from the March of Dimes Indiana Chapter will help fund Eskenazi Health’s prenatal care programs. This is the second grant Eskenazi Health has received in two years from the March of Dimes.

The $18,200 grant is part of the March of Dimes’ continued efforts to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Specifically, the grant funds will be used to create CenteringPregnancy programs at Eskenazi Health Center Grassy Creek and Eskenazi Health Center North Arlington, along with expanding the pre-existing program at Eskenazi Health Center Pecar. The funds will also go towards exploring the option of bringing the program to other Eskenazi Health Center locations.

CenteringPregnancy is a multifaceted model of group care that integrates three major components – health assessment, education and support – into a unified program within prenatal care. This grant will allow Eskenazi Health to expand the current program to include more service areas and reach more women.

“In general, data shows improved birth outcomes, including lower preterm birth rates and improved postpartum visit completion, for those who have gone through the CenteringPregnancy program” said Dr. Elizabeth Ferries-Rowe, obstetrics and gynecology service chief at Eskenazi Health. “Our aim is to improve birth outcomes and the health of babies born in Marion County. We are looking forward to working with March of Dimes to be able to offer the program in new service areas.”

Eskenazi Health Women’s and Children’s Services provides a full range of services, from prenatal testing to surgical management of complex medical conditions. Staffed by Indiana University School of Medicine faculty physicians, the department provides one-of-a-kind care to expectant mothers and their families.

The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Founded in 1931, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. For more information, visit the March of Dimes’ website at marchofdimes.com or its Spanish-language website at nacersano.org.

CONTACT: Kate Taylor
Phone: 317.880.4783
Pager: 317.310.5972  
Email: kate.taylor@eskenazihealth.edu