THE WOMEN’S FUND OF MIAMI-DADE “VIRTUAL IMPACT COLLABORATIVE”: Million Dollar Babies: Saving More Than $, Saving Lives

An expert virtual panel that will demonstrate the clear connections between investments and ethos in maternal health and fetal health. Investing in the prevention of preterm births in Miami-Dade County is pragmatic and the right thing to do. Keynote speaker: Dr. Connie Morrow Bonilla PhD Research Associate Professor of Pediatrics Director, Perinatal CARE and UM Healthy Start Programs University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Speakers: Dr. Smitha Jc Kumar and Val Butler   Preterm births are the number one driver of infant mortality, and prevention is not only a moral imperative but also an efficient investment. The costs of neonatal intensive care can exceed one million dollars per baby, not including the long-term developmental, medical, and financial impacts families and social and educational systems bear. By prioritizing prevention, we can save both lives and resources, because every baby deserves to reach day 366 and beyond. Anchored in our Health & Well-being pillar, this conversation will highlight how investment in prevention reduces both mortality and morbidity, offering healthier futures for children and stronger outcomes for families in our community. Our discussion will feature perspectives from medical experts, advocates, and lived experience voices exploring solutions within the intersection of maternal health, infant survival, and equity. Together, we’ll examine the cost of inaction and the life-saving potential of proactive care.