MINNESOTA TASK FORCE ON PREMATURITY
The Minnesota Task Force on Prematurity is a non-partisan committee to increase awareness of serious health issues related to premature birth and evaluate and make recommendations on methods for reducing prematurity and improve premature infant healthcare in the state. Made up of representatives from the Minnesota Prematurity Coalition, Minnesota Perinatal Organization, human services, health and education organizations.
The Minnesota Task Force on Prematurity is currently being managed by the Minnesota Perinatal Organization, a multidisciplinary association or individuals and organizations dedicated to improving perinatal health.
Specific action items for the Task Force include:
• Identify standards of care for premature infants and make recommendations to improve hospital discharge and follow-up procedures,
• Coordinate information among professional and advocacy organizations,
• Centralize available resources to improve access and awareness for caregivers
• Identify gaps in public reporting measures and possible effects of these measures on prematurity rates.
• Submit a report on the current state of prematurity in Minnesota to the chairs of the House and Senate policy committees on health and human services reform.
Preterm birth rates declined in most US states (35 had significant declines) between 2006 and 2008. However, even with this decline in the preterm birth rate, more than a half million babies are born too soon in the U.S. each year, and premature birth is the leading cause of newborn deaths.
It is our hope that the Minnesota Task Force on Prematurity will create a forum where speakers can educate the public and Minnesota Legislators on the data and the research, and, together we can find ways to affect change in this tragic phenomenon.
Minnesota facts on prematurity
• In 2006, there were 7,718 preterm births in Minnesota, representing 10.5% of all live births
• Between 1996 and 2006, the rate of infants born preterm in Minnesota increased nearly 17%
• During 2004-2006 (average) in Minnesota, preterm birth rates were highest for black infants (13.1%), followed by Native Americans (12.7%), Asians (10.3%), whites (10.3%), and Hispanics (9.7%)
• In 2005, the annual societal economic costs (medical, educational, and lost productivity) associated with preterm birth in the United States was at least $26.2 billion.
2015 Prematurity Report
The MN Task Force on Prematurity was not extended in 2015.
2013 Bill Language
2013 Prematurity Report
2011 Bill Language
2011 Prematurity Report