March of Dimes

March of Dimes
source
Name	March of Dimes
Founded	03 January 1938
Founder	Franklin D. Roosevelt
Location	Arlington, Virginia, U.S.
Key people	Elizabeth Cherot (President & CEO)
Focus	Maternal health, infant health, birth defects, premature birth
Website	marchofdimes.org

March of Dimes is a United States-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies. Founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938 to combat polio, it successfully funded the development of vaccines like the Salk vaccine before shifting its mission to preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Today, it focuses on reducing premature birth and addressing disparities in maternal health through research, education, advocacy, and support programs.

History

The organization was established on January 3, 1938, by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was himself afflicted with polio, as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. Its initial mission was to fund research and provide care for patients affected by the poliomyelitis epidemic. A key fundraising innovation was the annual "March of Dimes" campaign, which encouraged the public to send dimes directly to the White House, a effort famously supported by entertainer Eddie Cantor. The foundation's funding was pivotal in supporting the research of Dr. Jonas Salk and Dr. Albert Sabin, leading to the development of effective polio vaccines. Following the near-eradication of polio in the United States, the organization officially changed its name to the March of Dimes Birth Defects Foundation in 1979 and redirected its efforts toward preventing birth defects, infant mortality, and improving maternal health.

Mission and programs

The core mission is to lead the fight for the health of all mothers and babies. Its major program areas include research, education, advocacy, and community support. The organization funds scientific research into the causes of premature birth, birth defects, and other maternal and infant health complications. It provides educational resources for healthcare professionals and families through initiatives like the NICU Family Support program and the Perinatal Data Center. Advocacy efforts focus on promoting policies at the state and federal level, such as expanded access to prenatal care and paid family leave. A significant current campaign is "Mom and Baby Action Network," which aims to address the nation's rising maternal mortality rate and stark racial health disparities.

Fundraising and events

Fundraising is accomplished through a mix of nationwide events, corporate partnerships, and individual donations. The signature event is the annual March for Babies walk, held in communities across the United States since 1970. Other major campaigns include the Tournament of Roses partnership and various employee giving programs. The organization has historically benefited from high-profile support, including from celebrities like Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland during the polio era and modern ambassadors such as Kelly Clarkson and Dierks Bentley. Corporate partners have included global brands like Kmart, Famous Footwear, and Cigna. These efforts collectively generate the revenue necessary to fund its research grants and community programs.

Impact and achievements

Its impact on public health in the United States has been profound. In its original mission, it was instrumental in funding the research that led to the Salk vaccine and Sabin vaccine, effectively ending the polio epidemics. Since shifting focus, it has championed critical health advances, such as advocating for folic acid fortification in grain products to prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. The organization's research led to the development of surfactant therapy, a lifesaving treatment for premature infants with underdeveloped lungs. Its advocacy was key to the passage of the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act, and it continues to drive policy changes aimed at improving outcomes in states with high rates of preterm birth.

Organization and leadership

The organization is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. It is governed by a national Board of Trustees and led by a President and Chief Executive Officer, a position held since 2023 by Dr. Elizabeth Cherot, a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist. The structure includes a network of chapters across the United States, including in Puerto Rico, which implement local programs and fundraising events. Key operational divisions focus on research, public affairs, marketing, and community impact. It collaborates extensively with federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, academic institutions such as Stanford University, and other health organizations like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Virginia Category:Maternal health organizations Category:Organizations established in 1938