National Health Council — Voluntary Health Agency Guide

March of Dimes Foundation

The mission of the March of Dimes is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, prematurity and infant mortality. The March of Dimes carries out this mission through programs of research, community services, education and advocacy to save babies' lives.

For 67 years, the March of Dimes has been working to reach the day when every family knows the joy of having a healthy baby.

The March of Dimes track record of success includes significant breakthroughs and medical advances — including the polio vaccines, intensive care nurseries, surfactant therapy and a decline in neural tube birth defects. These achievements are only possible through the dedication of volunteer leaders and generous donors. Their commitment has as much of an impact today as it did in 1938 when President Roosevelt established the March of Dimes to save America’s children from polio.

About the condition(s):

A birth defect is an abnormality of structure, function or metabolism (body chemistry) present at birth that results in physical or mental disability, or is fatal. Several thousand different birth defects have been identified. Both genetic and environmental factors can cause birth defects.

Because of the increasing rate of premature birth, the March of Dimes has launched a national effort to reduce the problem. Premature babies often suffer lifelong consequences such as cerebral palsy, mental retardation, chronic lung disease, and vision and hearing loss. Premature birth affects one in eight babies and is the leading cause of newborn death.