WHEREAS, families face serious health risks and March of Dimes fights for their health by supporting research, leading programs, and providing education and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, March of Dimes has developed a collaborative model to study and prevent preterm birth through groundbreaking research at five Prematurity Research Centers; and

WHEREAS, March of Dimes is committed to mobilizing the nation by amplifying the voices of pregnant women and families; and

WHEREAS, 5,304 babies are born preterm each year in this state, representing 11.2 percent of all state births; and

WHEREAS, Oklahoma received a grade of D- on the 2021 March of Dimes Report Card; and

WHEREAS, in Oklahoma, March of Dimes has worked extensively to support state policies that improve the health of mothers and babies; and

WHEREAS, March of Dimes looks forward to working with the Oklahoma State Legislature in response to the continued maternal and infant health crisis; and

WHEREAS, March 9, 2022, marks the Oklahoma March of Dimes March for Change where advocates meet with policymakers to voice the need for policies that benefit mothers and babies in Oklahoma.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 58TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate recognizes the March 9, 2022, March of Dimes March for Change.

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate applauds the work of March of Dimes to help improve the health of mothers and babies in Oklahoma.

THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to March of Dimes Oklahoma.