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Prematurity Awareness Month
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WHEREAS, premature birth threatens the lives and health of more than half a million babies every year including 1 of 8 babies born in Washtenaw County and the number is rising; and
WHEREAS, premature birth is the leading cause of death of newborns in America; and
WHEREAS, babies who survive may suffer lifelong consequences; and
WHEREAS, the March of Dimes continues to lead the flight against premature birth and other serious threats to infant health by funding research and programs that help more babies come into the world healthy.
NOW THEREFORE, I, John Hieftje, Mayor of the City of Ann Arbor, do hereby declare November, as "PREMATURITY AWARENESS MONTH" in the City of Ann Arbor, and I encourage all citizens to support March of Dimes efforts to fund research and programs to find the causes of prematurity.
I hereby set my hand and seal
This 1st day of November, 2007
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John Hieftje, Mayor