Posted: Monday, January 25, 2010 9:40 am

Gordon Ferguson

More than 12,000 babies in Tennessee will be born premature this year, and local business leader Gordon B. Ferguson, CEO of Middle Tennessee Medical Center, is working with the March of Dimes to change this.

As Revenue Leader for the 2010 March for Babies event, Ferguson is personally committed to raising $30,000 towards the March for Babies goal of $85,000. These funds will support March of Dimes research and community programs to help moms have full-term pregnancies and babies to begin healthy lives.

Additionally, Middle Tennessee Medical Center will serve as the presenting sponsor for the event, the first business in Rutherford County to represent at this level. Saint Thomas Health Services and its member hospitals – Baptist and Middle Tennessee Medical Center – provide high quality health care services for women and infants, delivering nearly 10,000 babies each year, more than any other health system in the region. MTMC will lead the way in improving the overall health of these babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

The need in our community is evident. Tennessee received an “F” on the Premature Birth Report Card and ranks 45th in the nation for premature births with a preterm birth rate of 14.7 percent – nearly double the national target of 7.6% or less. Funds raised from the March for Babies event will support research, awareness, education, and local community grants.

March for Babies, the March of Dimes’ largest fundraiser, helps fund lifesaving research and educational programs aimed at helping moms have healthy babies. Last year, the Rutherford County event raised more than $80,000 – this year, Ferguson hopes to bring in even more by focusing on new revenue and helping to raise awareness in the area.

“We understand the need for comprehensive childbirth services in Rutherford County – especially helping patients who are “at-risk” deliver their babies safely while providing superior care,” says Ferguson. “MTMC is committed to raising more than $10,000 and I encourage our community to work together in support of the March of Dimes and help give babies a fighting change against threats to their health.”

While the Walk does not take place until Sunday, April 25th, residents can receive more information about the event at the annual Rutherford County March for Babies Kick Off, to be held Tuesday, Feb. 2 at the Discovery Center. Registration begins at 5:30 and the event starts at 5:45. Cocktails and a light dinner will be provided. Children are also welcome to attend and use the facilities.

About the March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.