The March for Babies kickoff was held on Friday by the March of Dimes. The event was to help rally volunteers to get excited for the march that will take place in May.

It is a great way to remind the county of the prematurity rate of births in Georgia and the United States.

According to Shannon Pittman, development manager for March of Dimes, Georgia’s prematurity birth is in the top 10 in the country and it higher than the national average at 11.2 percent.

According to the World Health Organization, 15 million babies are born before 37 weeks of gestation. Babies are full term at 39 weeks, so their bodies aren’t prepared for living outside the womb.

Without the development needed during the 39-week gestation period, premature babies are frailer. Because of that, complications from premature birth can cause death.

According to the WHO, the United States is in the top 10 countries with the greatest number of preterm births and one in ten babies are born premature. Preterm birth complications are the leading cause of death among children under 5.

All life is precious and we should try to help people at their most vulnerable. Not all of us are doctors who can save premature babies and children, but we can do the little things, such as raising money for the March of Dimes.

Right now, the March of Dimes needs people to register and support its event.

March for Babies will be held on May 5 at 10 a.m. at Hollis Hand Elementary.

We hope to see you there.