March of Dimes

March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization committed to ending preventable maternal health risks and death, ending preventable preterm birth and infant death and closing the health equity gap for all families. **We're leading the fight for the health of all moms and babies** Building on an 85-year legacy, March of Dimes is dedicated to funding lifesaving research, providing programs and education and advocating for vital health equity to create a world where every family, mom and baby are healthy and strong, regardless of wealth, race, gender or geography. **Where it all started** What began in 1938 with President Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal struggle with polio led to the creation of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, better known as March of Dimes. We pioneered the vaccine research leading to the eradication of polio in the U.S., and later expanded our mission to address issues of birth defects. In most recent decades, our mission shifted focus to healthy pregnancy and ending the preterm birth crisis, with innovations like folic acid, newborn screening and surfactant therapy. **Where we are today** March of Dimes focuses on critical issues affecting moms and babies from prematurity and health equity to maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. They’re in communities across the country supporting moms and babies with research, education, advocacy and programs to be healthy and strong. Today, we serve as a convener to unite the nation and improve maternal and infant health in the U.S. **Our mission** Our mission is to lead the fight for the health of all moms and babies. Our goals are to end the preventable maternal health risks and deaths, end preventable preterm birth and infant death, and close the health equity gap.