Dear Editor:

Premature birth is the number-one killer of newborns and a major cause of serious health problems. It costs society billions of dollars. Nearly half a million babies are born prematurely every year and the number is rising. In South Carolina, 168 babies are born prematurely in an average week. That's 24 babies each day, or one every hour. Premature birth is responsible for more than 10,000 of the 28,000 infant deaths in the U.S. each year.

In Cherokee County, 11 babies were born at Upstate Carolina Medical Center prematurely last year. In addition, 16 mothers were transferred to Spartanburg due to premature labor.

These statistics are why the March of Dimes has designated November as Prematurity Awareness Month. It is part of a national effort to save babies from premature birth by funding research into the causes of premature birth and other serious threats to infant health. Funds raised will also support programs that provide information and comfort to families.

According to a cost analysis published by the March of Dimes, the total national hospital bill for premature babies was $18.1 billion in 2002. Almost half of this was billed to employers and other private insurers. This analysis also found that health care costs to employers for a premature baby during the first year of life average more than $41,610, compared to about $2,830 for a full-term baby. This information is disturbing and should be of concern to the entire business community.

In November, or any time, please visit marchofdimes.com/southcarolina and find out what you can do to give every baby a healthy start. You can also share your baby's story at marchofdimes.com./everybaby.

Sincerely,

Richard C. Cutchin MD

Grassy Pond Family Medicine

/Gaffney Medical Associates Chairman, Cherokee County March

of Dimes WalkAmerica