Every baby deserves the best possible start in life. For members of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. North Mississippi Chapter, participating in March of Dimes March for Babies is more than a walk—it is a commitment to healthier mothers, stronger babies, and brighter futures for families across Mississippi.
In Mississippi, the need for this work is urgent. According to the March of Dimes Report Card, 1 in 7 babies in the state—about 15% of births—are born preterm, meaning they arrive before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This rate is significantly higher than the national average of about 10.4%, and it gives Mississippi one of the highest preterm birth rates in the country. In 2024 alone, 5,017 babies were born prematurely in Mississippi.
The challenges extend beyond premature birth. Infant mortality in Mississippi is 8.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, meaning hundreds of families experience the heartbreak of losing a baby before their first birthday each year. In 2023, 308 infants died before reaching age one.
These statistics are not just numbers—they represent real families, real children, and real futures. Many of these outcomes are influenced by factors such as access to prenatal care, maternal health conditions, and disparities in healthcare. The March of Dimes works every day to address these challenges by funding research, advocating for policies that support families, and providing education and resources that help babies be born healthy.
For the North Mississippi Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., joining March for Babies is an opportunity to teach our children the importance of service, compassion, and leadership. As families walk together, we raise awareness about maternal and infant health while supporting life-saving programs that improve outcomes for mothers and babies in Mississippi and across the nation.
Through our participation, we stand in solidarity with families who have experienced the joys and challenges of pregnancy and early childhood. We walk to honor babies born too soon, to remember those we have lost, and to help ensure that every baby—regardless of where they are born—has the chance to thrive.
Together, through service and advocacy, the North Mississippi Chapter continues to live out the Jack and Jill mission: to nurture future African American leaders while strengthening our communities and creating a healthier future for the next generation.
March of Dimes is dedicated to bringing people together to tackle America's maternal and infant health crisis—one person, one community, and one step at a time. More than a series of walks, March for Babies is an annual tradition that supports moms and babies every day, every step of the way.
March for Babies connects friends, families, and coworkers to improve the health of families nationwide. Together with March of Dimes, each step forward brings us closer to a healthy future for all.
Thank you for your support!
Thank you to our local sponsors
