Premature birth rate continues to decline

Syracuse (WSYR-TV) -- There’s been a drop in the premature birth rate in the United States, according to the March of Dimes.

The organization says the preemie birth rate fell to 11.7 percent last year. That’s the lowest rate it’s been in a decade. New York did better than average. The premature birth rate was just under 11 percent.

The March of Dimes credits new programs and interventions to help lower the rate nationwide.