March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of all mothers and babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. It accomplishes this through robust research, public policy advocacy, educational programs for families and healthcare professionals, and direct support initiatives, all aimed at achieving equitable maternal and infant health outcomes.

President Franklin Delano Roosevelt established the organization in 1938, initially named the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. Roosevelt, a polio survivor, recognized the urgent need for a national effort to combat the disease, initiating a powerful public health campaign. After its success in eradicating polio, the organization strategically pivoted its focus to broader maternal and child health.

March of Dimes provides vital information and community support to parents, expectant families, and healthcare providers. Its vision encompasses a world where every mother and baby achieves a healthy beginning, free from preventable maternal health risks and infant death. The organization commits to closing health equity gaps, ensuring universal quality care.