The Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. recently held events regarding premature births.
Zeta Phi Beta chapters nationwide held programs in November 2019 in response to the significant rise in premature births, according to a news release.
Zeta members in more than 850 communities conducted premature awareness activities in houses of worship. Congregations in Pine Bluff that participated included Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, True Vine “E” Missionary Baptist Church, God’s Elect Chosen Few Intercessory Prayer, Barraque Street Missionary Baptist Church, Indiana Street Missionary Baptist Church and St. Peter’s Rock Missionary Baptist Church.
“Worshipers learned more about the health crisis that nearly half a million families cope with each year,” according to the release. “This year marked the 17th year of Zeta’s participation by helping to lead this nationwide grassroots campaign.”
The March of Dimes held a World Prematurity Day Observance Nov. 17. Prematurity affects one out of 10 babies born in the United States.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“The rate has increased 29 percent since 1981. The numbers are even more alarming for African-American babies who have a one-in-six chance of being born too soon,” according to the release. “Prematurity is the leading cause of death for newborns (in the first month of life) and many babies who survive leave the hospital with lifelong health conditions or developmental disabilities that will place additional financial burden on the family.”
“That’s why the March of Dimes is leading a national effort to save babies from premature birth by funding research to find the causes, and by supporting programs that offer hope and help to families with a baby in intensive care. As part of that effort, November is designated as Prematurity Awareness Month to remind the public that premature birth is a crisis and to bring people together to help give all babies their nine months,” according to the release.
The Amicae of Pine Bluff, an auxiliary group of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., also supports the efforts of the March of Dimes to educate the public. Anissa Evans Buckner is the president of Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority was founded in 1920 on the belief that the social nature of sorority life should not overshadow the real mission for progressive organizations to address societal mores, ills, prejudices, poverty, and health concerns of the day, according to the release. Details: www.zphib1920.org.
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality, according to the release. Details: nacersano.org.