World Prematurity Day

World Prematurity Day is observed on 17 November each year to raise awareness of preterm birth and the concerns of preterm babies and their families worldwide. Approximately 15 million babies are born preterm each year, accounting for about one in 10 of all babies born worldwide.

Parent groups, families, health professionals, politicians, hospitals, organizations and other stakeholders involved in preterm birth observe this day with media campaigns, local events and other activities conducted on local, regional, national or international level to raise awareness among the public. In 2013, WPD was celebrated in over 60 countries.

Here in our community, The Tiny Miracles Foundation Volunteers and Friends will be wearing purple all day to recognize on Prematurity Awareness Day!! The Tiny Miracles Foundation (TTMF) is dedicated to providing comprehensive support and assistance to pre-term infants and their families in greater Fairfield County, and to enhancing the critical and family-centered care provided by our local neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

With the growing numbers of premature births in our area, TTMF provides a full array of support and assistance which each year touches the lives of more than 1,000 new pre-term babies and families. TTMF offers parent mentoring, emotional support, education, supplies, financial aid, and referrals to help families. TTMF is there throughout extended hospitalizations, transition home, and the months and years ahead. We are the only area resource for these families and their infants. Their programs and services are located at Bridgeport, Danbury, Norwalk and Stamford Hospitals, as well as being offered to anyone who needs them.

Help The Tiny Miracles Foundation raise awareness for National Prematurity Day by wearing purple and spreading the word. To learn more go to www.ttmf.org.

World Prematurity Day on Facebook.