According to a November 2022 report card issued by March of Dimes, more than 21.1% of Black women and 26.8% of American Indian/Alaska Native women in the U.S. do not receive adequate prenatal care. The U.S., which received a D+ rating from March of Dimes last year, remains among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, especially for families of color. In 2021, preterm birth rates for Black mothers, Native American/Alaska Native mothers and Asian women all increased (March of Dimes 2022 Report Card).
The Mission
March of Dimes believes in a world where every mom and baby is healthy regardless of wealth, race, gender or geography. Through research, programs and advocacy, the nonprofit aims to assist parents throughout their pregnancies.
March On
The March for Babies walk is one of the largest fundraising events for the March of Dimes. On April 23rd at Nationals Park, the March of Dimes had more than 5,000 participants join the Greater Washington Area March for Babies in Washington, D.C. — including employees from ASRC Federal, a Premier sponsor. ASRC Federal also has teams walking in Alabama, Colorado, Oklahoma and Florida.
“I am grateful for this platform and our coalition partners,” said Shaveta Joshi, chief human resources officer at ASRC Federal and chair of the Greater Washington Area March for Babies. “Our company helped raise more than $1.3 million to support the health of all moms, babies, and families.”
Gathering a Village
Joshi built a coalition of advocacy for this important cause together with partners from the government contracting industry such as Sev1Tech and Serco.
The importance of community is at the heart of ASRC Federal. The organization has been involved with the March of Dimes for several years, leading multiple events like its sponsorship of the Heroines of Washington event and March for Babies.
“The March of Dimes is a worthy organization, and the impact that their work accomplishes is far greater than most people realize. I am proud that ASRC Federal encourages employees to engage with the community and invest in a cause that disproportionately impacts our Alaska Native shareholders and women of color,” Joshi continued.
With continued advocacy and support, ASRC Federal is striving to provide resources that help turn the scary statistics around and improve the pregnancies and outcomes for all American families.
