Senate adopts resolution recognizing the March of Dimes

The Senate adopted March 9 as March of Dimes March for Change Day in Oklahoma through Senate Resolution 28, recognizing the advocacy organization for their work to improve women and children’s health outcomes in the state.

Authored by Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City, the resolution applauds the work of March of Dimes Oklahoma to improve the health of mothers and babies though their support of policies and legislation targeting the continued maternal and infant health crisis in Oklahoma.

“When we say our state is facing a maternal and infant health crisis, we mean it, and our state statistics are grim,” Hicks said. “Oklahoma received a D- grade on the 2021 March of Dimes report card, and more than 5,000 babies were born premature in our state, representing about 11% of all births. I appreciate the March of Dimes and their commitment to improving these health care outcomes by working with both sides of the aisle to find solutions for all women and children.”

While the state received an overall grade of a D- on the March of Dimes report card, Oklahoma’s pre-term birth rate did decline during 2021, citing improvements in Canadian, Cleveland, Rogers and Tulsa County births. The March of Dimes pointed to the adoption of some policies, like Medicaid expansion and the creation of the Maternal Mortality Review Committee, that could account for some increased health outcomes in the state.

“It’s an honor to work hand-in-hand with the March of Dimes to secure a brighter future for all Oklahoma women and children,” Hicks said. “I appreciate my colleagues for their recognition of the important work done by the March of Dimes in our communities and state.”