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.
We address the needs of many.
Too many families are affected by a variety of challenges: lack of available care, a health equity gap and racial disparities and high preterm birth and maternal death rates. We’re fixing this through:
- Research to find solutions so every family gets the best possible start.
- Advocating for policies that prioritize the health of moms and babies.
- Resources and programs to help parents throughout their pregnancies.
- Educating health professionals to improve mom and baby care.
- Uniting local communities across the nation through events and collaboratives.
- Partnering with organizations and companies committed to helping moms and their families.
The impact is real.
We can't do it alone.
We’ve accomplished a lot, but we need you. The need to help moms and babies continues—and it takes great partners to make a real difference. There are many ways you can help us protect families.
