US nonprofit, March of Dimes, focuses on enhancing maternal and infant health, and preventing premature births.
Founded
1938
Location
Arlington, VA, US
March of Dimes, a U.S. nonprofit organization, was founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938 to combat polio. Initially named the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, it played a pivotal role in funding Jonas Salk's polio vaccine. The organization has since broadened its mission to improve maternal and infant health, focusing on preventing birth defects and premature births. Headquartered in Arlington County, Virginia, March of Dimes offers programs and campaigns like "Low Dose, Big Benefits™" to raise awareness about pregnancy health.
Notable figures affiliated with March of Dimes include Olympian Allyson Felix, who serves as a brand ambassador. The organization has achieved significant milestones, including the successful funding of the polio vaccine and ongoing initiatives to combat preterm births. With a diverse Board of Trustees and impactful campaigns, March of Dimes continues to make substantial contributions to maternal and infant health, influencing public health policies and practices across the United States.
