Yuma Proclaimed October Pregnancy Loss Awareness Month
The city initiative aims to support grieving families and reduce feelings of isolation for local residents.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Pregnancy
Yuma Mayor Doug Nicholls has officially designated October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month. This citywide recognition follows a petition from local residents to help acknowledge families experiencing loss.
Why it matters
The proclamation seeks to raise public awareness and prevent feelings of isolation for those grieving these experiences. By bringing the issue to the local forefront, the initiative aims to provide community support for families navigating the emotional toll of pregnancy and infant loss.
Medical data shows that approximately 25% of pregnancies in the United States end in miscarriage, while 1 in 175 result in stillbirth. Globally, health experts estimate that 44 miscarriages occur every minute.
The players
Doug Nicholls
As the Mayor of Yuma, he is responsible for signing official proclamations that set the city's calendar and public policy priorities.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This federal health agency tracks national pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth and miscarriage rates, to inform public health guidance.
World Health Organization
This international body monitors global reproductive health data and provides the standard projections for worldwide miscarriage occurrences.
The details
Melissa Zaremba and Kurt Nelson successfully petitioned the City of Yuma to issue the formal proclamation. The effort aims to foster community connections for families and provide a space for shared experience, moving the topic of pregnancy and infant loss from private grief into public discourse.
Timeline
October 2026 marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month.
The annual Walk to Remember takes place November 7, 2026, at Gateway Park.
The Home Front
Yuma's proclamation follows the national precedent established by the 1988 U.S. presidential proclamation that first designated October for this cause. The move reflects a broader trend of municipal governments adopting national awareness observances to provide local support structures.
Residents impacted by loss can connect with community resources during the awareness month and participate in local gatherings. Consider marking your calendar for the memorial event at Gateway Park to connect with others who have faced similar experiences.
The takeaway
This official designation provides a meaningful opportunity for Yuma families to share experiences and find support within their community. Residents interested in showing solidarity or finding support can attend the annual Walk to Remember taking place at Gateway Park on November 7.
What happens next
The annual Walk to Remember is scheduled to occur at Gateway Park on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Further reading
Find more resources for local families in our Pregnancy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KYMA.
