UAB Hospital CEO Michael Waldrum, M.D., will chair for a second year the Birmingham-area March of Dimes WalkAmerica campaign. The campaign’s 2007 goal is $440,000.

Michael Waldrum

WalkAmerica is one of the nation’s most popular annual fund-raising events, and it has become the March of Dimes’ largest fundraiser. The money collected will fund March of Dimes-related research and clinical programs at UAB and elsewhere in Alabama.

Prematurity is a growing crisis that now affects 500,000 babies born in America each year, including 9,000 infants in Alabama, according to the organization.

“It’s important that all babies receive a healthy start,” Waldrum said. “With premature births on the rise in Alabama and across the nation, more needs to be done to understand, reduce and prevent this serious public health issue.

“I am extremely proud to have our hospital, along with many other organizations, committed to helping make the 2007 March of Dimes WalkAmerica a success,” he said. “With all of our support, a difference can be made.”

In Birmingham, WalkAmerica will take place on Saturday, April 28, beginning at the UAB Minipark. For more information, visit walkamerica.org or call 1-800-525-WALK.