Today, November 17 is World Prematurity Day dedicated to increasing awareness on premature births worldwide and the need for research, resources and support to lessen the number of global premature births.

Today, according to the March of Dimes:

• Prematurity is the No. 1 cause of death in infants

• The premature birth rate has risen by 36% over the last 25 years

• Every year 1,400 babies are born prematurely right here in Southwest Missouri

• Prematurity costs $71 million in the Ozarks, $26 Billion nationwide

• November is also Prematurity Awareness Month

“It just makes sense that an issue affecting a life at its earliest stages would affect every stage in life,” said Amy Temple, chair for the 2016 March for Babies campaign. “The research that is funded by the March of Dimes is linked to research in so many other medical breakthroughs.”

The March of Dimes’ 2015 birth report card released this month identifies different regions of the nation’s stats related to premature birth. Find out how your state fares HERE!

On today, World Prematurity Day, March of Dimes is also encouraging people to take the “Purple Pledge,” a social media campaign to spread awareness.

To take the pledge, visit the MarchofDimes.org