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Preemie Matters – August 2011

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In this issue of Preemie Matters: Register for Premature Infant Health Summits: "Collaborating for Preemies"  •  Study: Preemies Prove Resilient as They Age  •  This Fall in Louisville: National Perinatal Association Conference  •  Partner Profile: Nathan C. Splant Foundation  •  PREEMIE Reauthorization Act in Congress

Register for Premature Infant Health Summits: "Collaborating for Preemies"

On the heels of successful Premature Infant Health Summits in 2009, this fall MedImmune will host Premature Infant Health Summits and Summit Briefs across the country. The events, "Collaborating for Preemies: Small Steps...Big Changes," will bring together healthcare providers, advocates, professional and parent organizations, public and elected officials and health insurers to share new developments, the latest on prematurity research and resources, the current policy landscape and engaging stakeholders. Half-day Summits are scheduled for Chicago, Philadelphia, Columbus and Austin - with additional "Summit Briefs" to coincide with meetings of the Academy of Neonatal Nursing, National Perinatal Association, California Premature Infant Health Coalition and Minnesota Prematurity Coalition.

Emerging Science: Preemies Prove Resilient as They Age

There is positive news from the longest-running US study on the effects of premature birth, covered this month by TIME magazine. Among the lessons from nine waves of research following a group of 213 preemie infants to age 23: While the effects of prematurity are real, varied and may last to adulthood, those born too early generally grow into resilient children and adults. Strong, nurturing support from parents and school environments also appears to have a protective effect for children born prematurely, associated with the best outcomes. The studies, largely funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), have not yet been published but were presented to the Eastern Nursing Research Society earlier this year.

This Fall in Louisville: National Perinatal Association Conference

Registration is open for the 2011 National Perinatal Association Conference, set for October 20-22 at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, KY. Under the theme "Winning the Race in Providing Quality Perinatal Care," this year's conference focuses on the nutritional status of women and infants, the prevention of infection and optimizing developmental goals. In keeping with NPA's vision, the conference embraces perspectives of families, providers and advocates, while including broader concerns that affect perinatal health and health care.

Partner Profile: Nathan C. Splant Foundation

The volunteer-led Nathan C. Splant Foundation helps Northwest Indiana families affected by prematurity. Established in 2007 by parents Kimberly and Phillip Splant to honor their son Nathan, born at 25 weeks, the foundation's grant-making focuses on building community awareness about the challenges faced by preemies and their families, as well as improving the conditions of babies born too early and to small. The Nathan C. Splant Foundation also supports prematurity research.

PREEMIE Reauthorization Act in Congress

On July 28, Senators Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) and Representatives Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Leonard Lance (R-NJ) introduced the PREEMIE Reauthorization Act to the US Congress. The bill would expand research, education and intervention related to preterm birth and infant mortality - promoting new knowledge as well as treatment and prevention. This reauthorization legislation seeks to build upon the momentum of the 2006 PREEMIE Act (Prematurity Research Expansion and Education for Mothers Who Deliver Infants Early), which developed a public-private agenda to reduce preterm births.

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Information is reported as provided and does not necessarily represent the view of the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition. A complete copy of HMHB's disclaimer is available on our website.

Renee Klink