March of Dimes

The March of Dimes partners with other world organizations to help prevent premature births and to fight infant health problems, especially those that lead to death or disability. Because studies have shown a disproportionately large percentage of birth defects in children in poverty situations and in low- and middle-income countries, much of the organization’s efforts focus on fund-raising to help with research, education, community-based activities, and federal and state advocacy campaigns.

While the March of Dimes’ current focus is targeted at pre-term birth and infant mortality, its roots began with President Franklin Roosevelt in the 1930s. At age 39, Roosevelt contracted a virus and was subsequently paralyzed. Doctors diagnosed him with polio, a virus that was widespread at the time, but current scientists have since debated ...