In previous months, I have highlighted awareness events sponsored by various non-profit groups. July has fewer of those nationally recognized events, but there are some tremendously important ones to my readers.
First, International Group B Strep Awareness Month goes on during all of July. As many as 1 in 4 women carry the bacteria Group B Strep. It is normal and not harmful to adults, but infants who become infected with GBS before or during birth are still at serious risk. GBS infection remains a leading killer of infants and has been associated with both miscarriage and stillbirth. Learn what you can do to help raise awareness at the Group B Strep International Website.
It's also Cord Blood Awareness Month, sponsored by Parents' Guide to Cord Blood Foundation. The organizations mission is to raise awareness and provide assistance to families looking to bank or donate cord blood. Umbilical cord blood provides a one-time source of stem cells that can help advance medical research in many areas, including maternal and infant health. Learn more at the foundation's site.
July also brings us National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month. Although many craniofacial defects are highly treatable, there are still some life-threatening conditions associated with craniofacial defects. Some of my readers have no doubt had babies with defects, some of whom may have died due to complications associated with their condition. Find out what you can do to raise awareness and prevent this common birth defect at NCCAPM's website where all of the partner organizations are listed.
There are, of course, other awareness events going on this month, which you can learn more about at this helpful website. I try to focus on the organizations with tie-ins to pregnancy loss, but if I've missed something, please comment or send me an email and I'll be happy to mention other organizations and events.
Photo © Robin Atkins
