March Of Dimes

The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. We accomplish our mission by funding strategic mix of research, education, advocacy and community programs. 1 out of every 8 babies is born prematurely, with the rate increasing 30% since 1981. The March of Dimes is currently funding 90 million dollars in research grants to try and find the cause of this urgent health crisis. Premature birth is the leading cause of death in the first month of life. The direct cost of a premature birth is 15 times higher than a healthy new born delivery. The March of Dimes provides educational programs for new parents and health professionals; and also supports legislation for Newborn screening and smoking cessation.

The March of Dimes was founded by Franklin Roosevelt in 1938 as the Infantile Paralysis Foundation. The organizations original mission was to find a cure for Polio. Since Polio was eradicated in the 1950s, the March of dimes mission has evolved to it's current mission to improve the health of babies.