March of Dimes kicks off campaign

The Greater Missouri Chapter, Southeast Division of the March of Dimes held its kick-off for the local WalkAmerica campaign Tuesday.

March of Dimes team captains picked up materials and supplies for the Cape Girar-deau WalkAmerica event at the Conference Room of the Healing Arts Center, next to St. Francis Medical Center.

Susan Davis, a spokeswoman for the March of Dimes, said the local WalkAmerica will be at 10 a.m. April 27 at Cape County Park North.

It was also announced at the kickoff program that St. Francis Medical Center had been named Division sponsor for the program, and will help in WalkAmerica events at Farmington, Cape Girardeau, Poplar Bluff and Dexter.

"We're pleased to join the March of Dimes as a division sponsor," said Jeannie Fadler, vice president of patient care services at St. Francis. "As we re-committed ourselves to OB, and added neonatologists, we feel that partnering with the March of Dimes is another step toward recommitting ourselves to the region."

Davis also announced Tuesday two recipients of the 2001-2002 grants allocated to this region to help fund local programs and research:

The Butler County Health Department in Poplar Bluff, Mo., will receive $25,000 to fund Improving the Health of Babies through Education program.

The Whole Kids Outreach program of Ellington, Mo., will received $17,500 to promote lifestyle and behavior changes.