JOHN DAY – Local midwife Sherry Dress serves not only women and babies throughout Eastern Oregon, but also reaches out to those in other countries.

Mercy in Action, a nonprofit that works to improve the conditions and services for mothers and newborns around the world, is one of several groups that Dress supports.

The largely grass-roots effort, based primarily in the Philippines, strives to reduce high maternal and infant mortality rates by establishing birth centers and training midwives.

Besides collecting monetary donations and goods, for Mercy in Action, Dress herself makes quilts and crocheted hats and blankets to send to Mercy in Action.

She is also hoping to make a trip to the Philippines next spring to take goods, monetary donations and medical supplies.

“I’ll have to pay my own way, but I’m willing to make the sacrifice,” Dress said.

She also plans to train other midwives there and help the people “help their own,” adding that over 550,000 babies die during childbirth around the world every year.

Dress, of Canyon City, has been a midwife for 30 years. She is currently in her third term as chair of the Oregon Board of Direct Entry Midwifery.

Flyers about Mercy in Action and a donation jar can be found at Dress’ store, Naturally Yours, 135 W. Main St in John Day. Dress sends the money to the group monthly.

Donations can also be mailed directly to Mercy in Action. The organization can be reached through its U.S. office, P.O. Box 2777, Paso Robles, CA 93447.