Waimea Women’s Center Will Receive March of Dimes Grant

Hawai’i has again earned a “C” on the March of Dimes Premature Birth Report Card with a preterm birth rate of 12.5. Since 2006, the rate has fluctuated between 12.1 and 12.8.

With some islands, like Molokai and Lanai, lacking obstetricians to provide prenatal care, preterm birth has become a serious issue in the state.

Health care facilities are attempting tackle the issue with specialized programs that address the state’s unique challenges in providing quality prenatal care for pregnant women across the island chain.

“We are disappointed that we aren’t making the progress toward reducing preterm births that we had hoped for,” said Danette Wong Tomiyasu, Chief of the Family Health Services Division of the Department of Health. “March of Dimes is working closely with state health officials and health care providers to fill in the gaps so more women will have full term pregnancies and health babies.”

The March of Dimes Hawai’i Chapter will provide several grants this year to increase and improve the availability of prenatal care.

Waimea Women’s Center in Waimea will be one of the recipients this year.  The grant will allow the center to offer “Centering Pregnancy” at North Hawai’i Community Hospital.

Among other centers to receive the grant are Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services on Oahu, Malama Family Recovery Center on Maui, and Lanai Community Health Center.