The Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. recently conducted awareness events regarding premature babies.
“Zeta members in more than 850 communities across America conducted premature awareness activities in houses of worship and congregations,”according to a news release.
Congregations in Pine Bluff that participated included Old St. James Missionary Baptist Church, True Vine “E” Missionary Baptist Church, God’s Elect and Chosen Few Intercessory Prayer, St. James United Methodist Church and New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church.
“In response to the significant rise in premature births, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. chapters across the country held premature awareness events during the month of November 2018,” according to the release.
“Worshippers learned more about the health crisis that nearly half a million families cope with each year. This year marked the 16th year of Zeta’s participation by helping to lead this nationwide grassroots campaign,” according to the release.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Amicae of Pine Bluff, an auxiliary of Zeta Phi Beta, also supports the efforts of the March of Dimes to educate the public.
“The March of Dimes held a World Prematurity Day Observance on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. Prematurity affects one out of 10 babies born in the United States today. 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 newborn (in the first month of life) and many babies who survive leave the hospital with life-long health conditions or developmental disabilities that will place additional financial burden on the family,” according to the release.
“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.
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. Details: marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
“Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. 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. The international organization’s 125,000+ initiated members, operating in more than 850 chapters, have given millions of voluntary hours to educate the public, provide scholarships, support organized charities, and promote legislation for social and civic change,” according to the release.
Anissa Evans Buckner is the president of Epsilon Zeta Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. Details: www.zphib1920.org.