Union County, NJ – In recognition of Women’s History Month, the
Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders is proud to sponsor “Virginia Apgar, Newborn Babies and the March of Dimes” at the Westfield Memorial Library on Wednesday, March 27, 2019 at 7:00 pm. David Rose, the National Archivist of the March of Dimes, will be the presenter at this free event.
“Dr. Apgar was a pioneer in her field, and her findings and work are still used by physicians today when welcoming a newborn into the world. She provides us with a powerful reminder of the impact that women have on our quality of life, through their contributions to science and medicine,” said Freeholder Chair Bette Jane Kowalski.
Born in Westfield, NJ, Virginia Apgar was an anesthesiologist. She was best known for creating the Apgar Score, a clinical system for evaluating the physical condition of newborns at birth by measuring their pulse, skin color, reflex, muscle tone and respiration to determine medical needs.
Dr. Apgar assisted in the delivery of over 17,000 infants and was the first woman to hold a full professorship at Columbia University. At the March of Dimes, she directed programs of research in the causes, prevention, and treatment of birth defects.
The presentation by David Rose celebrates Women’s History Month and will focus on the life of Dr. Apgar and her lifelong quest to improve the health of babies.
The 2019 Women’s History Month Celebration is sponsored by the Freeholder Board through the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs in the Department of Parks and Recreation, and is funded in part by a grant from the New Jersey Historical Commission, a Division of Cultural Affairs in the Department of State.
For more information on all Cultural and Heritage programs visit ucnj.org, email jprescott@ucnj.org or call 908-436-2912.
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For all Union County programs and services visit ucnj.org, call the Public Info Line, 877-424-1234, email info@ucnj.org or use the online Contact Form.
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