March of Dimes: Wisconsin chapter honored with the 2009 Audrey Manley Program Leadership Award

(Milwaukee, WI)— The Wisconsin Chapter of March of Dimes received the 2009 Audrey Manley Program Leadership Award at the Volunteer Leadership Conference held at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia. This national award recognizes one March of Dimes chapter that has developed and supported a community-based program that enhances awareness of the March of Dimes and strives to reduce risks for premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality in at-risk populations. This award highlights the chapter’s initiatives to reduce racial or ethnic disparities in birth outcomes.

This is the first time that the Wisconsin Chapter has been presented with this award. “It is really encouraging that we get recognized for the work that we do,” said Pamela Pfeffer, State Director of Program Services, “Wisconsin is headed in the right direction—we have a framework and we have direction.” A national grant of $5,000 will be awarded to support the continuation of the project.

The March of Dimes Wisconsin Chapter developed a strategic, volunteer-led, multi-faceted and long-term African American Outreach Initiative. Leading the way is an African American Advisory Committee which has established the March of Dimes as a visible and dedicated advocate for African American babies by raising awareness of the high rate of prematurity at a 2008 event.

The committee also launched an innovative, measurable intervention for African American women in Beloit, Wisconsin called Sister Support Connection which includes five interactive group meetings, incentives, and free childcare. Furthermore, we continue to reach African American families through Stork’s Nest in eight communities, and last year, Stork’s Nest reached more than 2,000 women in Wisconsin. This national award is named for Dr. Audrey F. Manley, the former acting Surgeon General, past president of Spelman College and member of the National Board of Trustees for the March of Dimes.

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health with chapters nationwide and its premier event; March for Babies®. The mission is to prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org .