RALEIGH - FOX 50 (WRAZ TV) and MIX 101.5 (WRAL-FM) have partnered with the March of Dimes to create NC39weeks - the first ever local community campaign designed to create awareness and provide crucial information for moms, families and health care providers on the importance of waiting at least 39 weeks to deliver. 

According to the March of Dimes, more and more births are being scheduled too early for non-medical reasons which can lead to long-term health issues for both mom and baby. Among the reasons to wait at least 39 weeks: 

• Important organs, like your baby's brain, lungs and liver, get all the time they need to develop.
• Your baby is less likely to have vision and hearing problems after birth. 
• Babies born too soon often are too small. Babies born at a healthy weight have an easier time staying warm than babies born too small.
• Babies can suck and swallow and stay awake long enough to eat after they're born. Babies born early sometimes can't do these things. 

“Last spring, the March of Dimes approached us with this issue and asked for help in getting the word out to a mass audience,” said Tommy Schenck, VP and GM of FOX 50. “The goal is simple, promote healthy families and healthy babies. We got involved because it was the right thing to do.” 

NC39weeks is an interactive community initiative that includes TV and radio Public Service Announcements, a dedicated informational website – www.NC39weeks.com - and even the opportunity for moms to take the “NC39weeks Pledge”. 

NC39weeks is also supported by our community partners – The North Carolina Center for Hospital Quality (The Quality Center) and Patient Safety and the Perinatal Quality Collaborative of North Carolina (PQCNC).  

“We’re thrilled to be partnered with FOX 50, Mix 101.5, the North Carolina Quality Center and the March of Dimes in this public service campaign,” said Clinical Professor in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine and Director of PQCNC Martin McCaffrey MD. “The partnership allows us to continue our efforts to reduce the morbidity and mortality that occurs as a result of non-indicated deliveries less than 39 weeks.”  

“Our main focus is working with hospitals to improve perinatal safety,” said Director of The North Carolina Center for Hospital Quality and Patient Safety Carol Koeble MD, MS, CPE. “This campaign allows us to use our experience to ensure that all health care providers and expectant mothers have all the information needed to deliver a healthy child.” 

For more information about NC39weeks, please visit NC39weeks.com or contact FOX 50 Creative Services Director, Kevin Kolbe, at (919) 595-5103 or FOX 50 Director of Local Sales, Niel Sollod, at (919) 595-5153. 

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About FOX 50 (WRAZ TV):

Locally owned and operated by Capitol Broadcasting Company, FOX 50 constantly ranks as one of the top FOX affiliates in the country. With a passion to entertain and touch the lives of everyone in our community, each employee prides themselves on working with our clients, community and viewers across the 23 counties we serve. In 2010, FOX 50 became the first FOX affiliate to receive the NAB’s Service to America Award which recognizes a television station for the totality of its efforts and its commitment to excellence in serving its community. Find out more about FOX 50 programs and community initiatives at www.fox50.com and on Facebook. 

About MIX 101.5 (WRAL FM):

MIX 101.5 WRAL-FM is an Adult Contemporary radio station broadcasting in Raleigh-Durham since 1946. Music, entertainment, information, and a solid commitment to the community make WRAL-FM consistently a top choice for radio listeners in Raleigh-Durham. The recipient of two National Association of Broadcasters Crystal Awards, awarded to stations for their year-round commitment to community service, WRAL-FM has dedicated itself to the community through annual events such as the Radiothon for Duke Children's Hospital, the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle's "BackPack Buddies" Program, and U.S. Marine Corp’s Toys for Tots. 

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. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. 

About The North Carolina Center for Hospital Quality (The Quality Center):

Created in 2004 to lead the state's hospitals to become the safest and highest quality hospitals in the United States. It’s goals focus on promoting a fair and just patient safety culture, optimization of teamwork and communication among healthcare professionals, ensuring evidence based care processes through reliable system design and gaining knowledge through organizational learning. 

About The Perinatal Quality Collaborative of North Carolina (PQCNC):

A community of organizations, agencies and individuals committed to making North Carolina the best place to be born. Committed to collaborating with everyone who shares an interest in improving the health and health care of women of childbearing age and/or infants in our state.