Yuma Designated October for Pregnancy Loss Awareness
The city initiative supports grieving families and sheds light on the common experience of pregnancy and infant loss.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Pregnancy
Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls has officially proclaimed October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This city-wide effort aims to decrease feelings of isolation for local families by fostering community support for those affected by miscarriage and stillbirth.
Why it matters
Recognizing this month publicly helps validate the experiences of families navigating loss, which affects a significant portion of the population. By raising awareness, the city initiative encourages open communication and provides resources to support those in the community during their grief.
National health data indicates that 25% of U.S. pregnancies end in miscarriage, while 1 in 175 pregnancies result in stillbirth. These statistics highlight the prevalence of pregnancy loss, though the emotional impact of such losses on individual families remains highly personal.
The players
Doug Nicholls
The Mayor of Yuma who signed the official proclamation designating the awareness month.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The national public health agency that tracks and reports U.S. statistics on stillbirth and pregnancy outcomes.
World Health Organization
The international agency responsible for global public health monitoring and tracking worldwide miscarriage estimates.
The details
The proclamation was initiated following a petition from residents Melissa Zaremba and Kurt Nelson, who sought to highlight the frequency of pregnancy and infant loss. By designating this awareness month, the city intends to unite families and move the topic into the public consciousness to prevent isolation. The effort will culminate in a memorial event at Gateway Park to honor those affected.
Timeline
October 2026 marks the first official Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month in Yuma.
The annual Walk to Remember is scheduled for November 7, 2026, at Gateway Park.
Health Landscape
This proclamation aligns with broader efforts to improve the public understanding of pregnancy and infant loss, which are statistically common yet often treated as taboo. By normalizing these conversations, Yuma is following a trend toward greater integration of grief support within community public health initiatives.
For those in Yuma experiencing the loss of a pregnancy or infant, this awareness month highlights available community support systems. If you are grieving, consider reaching out to your primary care physician to discuss mental health support or local bereavement services.
The takeaway
Pregnancy and infant loss are common experiences that affect a wide range of families in the community. If you have been affected by loss, prioritize your mental health by connecting with a support group or discussing your feelings with a healthcare provider.
What happens next
The annual Walk to Remember will be held on November 7, 2026, at Gateway Park.
Further reading
For more information on family wellness resources, visit Pregnancy.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KYMA.
