Midwestern University Supports Community Walk for Prenatal and Infant Care

Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine (AZCOM) was a proud Gold Sponsor of the March of Dimes’ March for Babies event in Phoenix, Arizona on May 16. The fundraiser to improve health for mothers and babies featured a community walk ending at Chase Field, where participants learned more about maternal and infant healthcare.

The event raised over $200,000 for research and support of families impacted by birth complications. This will contribute to March of Dimes causes such as:

• Providing nearly 5,000 medical visits with quality prenatal care through Mom & Baby Mobile Health Centers.
• Supporting more than 50,000 families with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) through the NICU Family Support® program.
• Supporting the Innovation Fund, a philanthropy initiative which invests in companies making advancements in maternal and infant health.

Heather Holley, D.O., FAAP, Interim Chair of Maternal and Child Health in the Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine, coordinated Midwestern’s involvement with the March for Babies. Of the event, Dr. Holley said, “Supporting the March of Dimes Phoenix aligns with AZCOM's mission of preparing compassionate, community-focused physicians dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the populations we serve. As future physicians, and particularly in pediatrics, our responsibility extends beyond caring for individual patients in the clinic — we must also advocate for the health of our broader community.” 

In addition to the sponsorship support, several faculty, staff, and over 30 students from Midwestern attended to celebrate the NICU graduates and raise awareness for maternal and infant health. 

Volunteer Kristen Samoy (AZCOM ’28) spoke of the importance of being involved with outreach events like March of Dimes. “I plan on becoming a pediatrician. While I may not be working directly with infants in the hospitals, ensuring the health of all our kiddos starts with advocating for the health of our mothers and pre-term babies,” she said. 

Dr. Holley also recognized that “maternal and infant health is an issue that directly affects families in the communities served by Midwestern. Many of our students, faculty, and staff have been personally impacted by pregnancy or delivery complications and have experienced the lifesaving care provided by local NICUs.” 

For all volunteers, the March of Dimes was a chance to grow as empathetic future healthcare providers. “It was inspiring to hear the strengths from these women and see how the families rally around them,” Kristen noted. “As a future physician, it’s so important to be cognizant of their experiences.”

View resources for maternal and prenatal health or donate to March of Dimes.