A new band of "jailbirds" will be locked-up Wednesday, July 11th, charged with aiding and abetting March of Dimes in the fight against birth defects and premature birth. Bend's leading citizens are turning themselves in to support life-saving research and education funded by March of Dimes to help mothers and babies.

"During the March of Dimes Jail & Bail on July 11th, Bend's "jailbirds" are meeting at Scanlon's (Athletic Club of Bend, 61615 Athletic Drive) to raise bail for babies. Their "bail" money will support the March of Dimes mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality," explained Aimee Knabe, Division Director for March of Dimes.

Premature birth is the leading cause of newborn death. In Oregon, one in ten babies is born prematurely. March of Dimes is committed to reducing the toll of being born too soon by providing comfort and information to families and funding research to find the answers to premature birth.

Donations help to support programs such as providing education on prematurity and birth defects to women in Oregon and funding Nobel prize-winning research that benefits all babies.

To turn in someone suspected of caring about the health of babies in Bend, contact March of Dimes at (541) 225-5023. Lunch for Bend's jailbirds will be provided by Scanlon's.

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies, 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.