For the first time, Highland Community Hospital will partner with the March of Dimes as they take part in the March for Babies walk.

The 5K walk takes place on April 26 at Jones Park in Gulfport.

The Obstetrics and Women’s Services staff are selling March for Babies shirts for $20 as part of a fundraiser for March of Dimes, said Director of Obstetrics and Women’s Services Janelle Imhoff.

Imhoff said the hospital is working with March of Dimes because, like Highland, March of Dimes focuses on education.

Jennifer Parker, March of Dimes Division Director for the Gulf Coast, said all the money raised through the walk will help fund “mission related events and to help prevent premature birth, infant mortality and infant death.”

“By us working so closely with the March of Dimes, we educate our patients and we obtain more information for them. We educate ourselves as well so that we’re better for the patients,” Imhoff said.

In addition to the walk, children’s activities will be available including a clown, play zone and kids station, Parker said. Walk participants will have access to a spirit station and massages after the walk.

Parker said one of the ways the funds will be used to set up grants for educational outreach programs.

She said for example, Memorial Hospital in Gulfport is using their grant to host a gestational diabetes class for expecting mothers with the disease. Parker said the class keeps the women on track to stay healthy.

If anyone is interested in buying a shirt from Highland they can call 601-358-9785.

Parker said if anyone is interested in registering for the walk, they can call 228-206-3429 or register online at marchforbabies.org.