Erica Jordan

This is one of my favorite events each year because it is fun and directly benefits our smallest, cutest Houstonians! It is also close to my heart because of a dear family member of my own who was born prematurely. Thanks to the leading research and care that we have today, his life has been a healthy one. But we still have much more work to do! 

Texas has a dismal prematurity report card--a D to be exact (March of Dimes, 2017). Despite medical advances, prematurity is still an important issue to work to prevent. Babies born prematurely have an increased risk of death before they reach their first birthdays, and they are also at greater risk for health and developmental issues. Working toward prevention is the ultimate goal! 

This goal is also close to my heart because the Black American community, of which I am a member, is disproportionately affected by poor birth outcomes even after controlling for socioeconomic factors. A baby born to a Black American woman with a Ph.D. (like me) has a greater risk of a poor birth outcome and infant mortality than a baby born to a White American woman with a high school diploma. In the state of Texas, the preterm birth rate for Black women is 40% higher than other women (March of Dimes, 2017). (Similar disparity is evident throughout the nation.) We need to close this gap by improving birth outcomes for all babies, especially for infants of color. 

The funds I raise enable March of Dimes to support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy that truly makes a difference to families in our community and across the country. If you believe, like I do, that every baby deserves the best possible start, please march with me or make a donation to support this community effort. Together we can fight for the health of all moms and babies. Join me and the UH Collge of Education as we fight for babies who are fighting for their lives.