March Of Dimes Teams Up With The National Basketball Wives Association To Fight For The Health Of Moms And Babies

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ORGS UNITE AND CALL FOR #BLANKETCHANGE TO GIVE FAMILIES ACROSS THE U.S. THE BEST POSSIBLE START, AMID HEALTH CRISIS DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTING MOMS & BABIES OF COLOR

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March of Dimes

Feb 15, 2019, 08:00 ET

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 15, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- March of Dimes, the nonprofit organization leading the fight for the health of all moms and babies, today announced a partnership with the National Basketball Wives Association (NBWA), the official nonprofit charitable organization that represents its membership, the NBA, NBA G-League, ABA and Harlem Globetrotters to create national and global impact for families across the country. Together the organizations seek to leverage their combined philanthropic capital to create #BlanketChange on behalf of all moms and babies, raising awareness and funds for the health crisis disproportionately impacting moms and babies of color.

March of Dimes recently launched the #BlanketChange campaign, which was amplified by the NBWA, to bring attention to the staggering maternal mortality and premature birth rates in our country. The U.S. is the most dangerous developed nation to give birth, with over 700 women dying this year and more than 50,000 experiencing close calls. The numbers are even worse for black women, who are three times as likely as white women to die from pregnancy-related causes. Additionally, the U.S. preterm birth rate continues to rise, with a disproportionately higher rate for moms and babies of color.

"I am thrilled to be partnering with Mia Wright and the amazing women of the NBWA - I know they share my passion for empowering and supporting moms and babies in this country," said Stacey D. Stewart, March of Dimes President. "I believe that it is up to all of us to address the biggest health threats facing women today, including maternal mortality, and to eliminate barriers to achieving health equity. Together, we can do this."

Officially kicking off their partnership during NBA All Star Weekend 2019, the two organizations are working to amplify the voices of all women and their families, working to ensure all women have access to care before, during and after pregnancy, and supporting moms through every stage of their pregnancy journey, even when everything doesn't go according to plan.

"As mothers and inherent nurturers to our families and communities, the National Basketball Wives Association is honored to partner with March of Dimes," said Mia Wright, NBWA President. "We understand the social capital our unique membership offers and are committed to being a megaphone for the marginalized voices of families that have been statistically overlooked. Together we can create real change for all moms and babies."

March of Dimes and NBWA's first joint event will be a community baby shower honoring new and expectant moms in the Charlotte area. Gifts and much-needed baby supplies for the families will be donated by NBWA members, along with resources and support from March of Dimes.

In the coming months, the two organizations will collaborate on social media awareness campaigns, fundraising opportunities, co-branded programs and community events and activities.

Visit marchofdimes.org to learn more. To make a donation, visit https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/NBWA or text NBWA to 71777.

About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every family can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we stand up for every mom and every baby. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

About NBWA
NBWA is the official 501(c)(3) non-profit member's charitable organization comprised of wives, significant others and life partners of active and retired NBA players. With transparent integrity and a commitment to fulfill its charitable mission, all NBWA leadership positions held are voluntary.

Recognizing the undeniable connection between a family's socioeconomic status and grade-school achievements, the volunteer board and members of NBWA are supporting public programs that fund children's education and community initiatives. We help bridge the gaps of opportunity by providing resources to impoverished communities, mentors to school-age youth and helping hands to grassroots organizations that help achieve economic stability for families and women around the world.

SOURCE March of Dimes