The March of Dimes is established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

March of Dimes stands as a venerable United States nonprofit organization dedicated to significantly improving the health of mothers and babies. Its comprehensive mission encompasses funding innovative research, providing vital education, advocating for stronger policies, and delivering direct support services, all aimed at ensuring every baby has a healthy start and every mother has a healthy pregnancy journey.

The Historic Fight Against Polio: A Foundation of Public Health

The origins of March of Dimes trace back to a critical public health crisis of the 20th century. The organization was founded in 1938 by then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt, originally named the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. Roosevelt himself had been afflicted by polio in 1921, experiencing firsthand the devastating and often paralyzing effects of the disease. His personal struggle fueled his determination to eradicate it, leading him to establish the Georgia Warm Springs Foundation for polio treatment and rehabilitation, and later, the national organization.

The initial objective was clear: to combat polio, a highly infectious viral disease primarily affecting young children, often leading to paralysis or even death. The National Foundation mobilized a massive public effort, relying on widespread grassroots fundraising campaigns. It was during these efforts that the iconic name "March of Dimes" emerged.

The Origin of the Name: A Dime for a Cure

The evocative name "March of Dimes" was famously coined by popular radio personality and comedian Eddie Cantor during a broadcast in 1938. Cantor appealed to his listeners to mail their spare dimes directly to the White House to support President Roosevelt's fight against polio. This initiative sparked an unprecedented outpouring of public support, with millions of dimes pouring in, demonstrating the power of collective small contributions in tackling a monumental health challenge. The concept was that "everyone could give a dime" to join the fight, creating a "march" of collective giving towards a cure.

Pivotal Success and Evolving Mission

A crowning achievement of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis was its instrumental role in funding the groundbreaking research of Dr. Jonas Salk, leading to the development of the first effective polio vaccine. The organization not only funded Salk's research but also supported the widespread clinical trials and subsequent mass immunization campaigns that ultimately led to the near eradication of polio in the United States and significantly reduced its global incidence. This monumental success, particularly after the widespread distribution of Salk's vaccine in the mid-1950s, prompted a strategic shift in the organization's focus.

With polio largely conquered, the organization, officially rebranded as March of Dimes in 1979, expanded its mission to address other pressing health concerns affecting children. Its new primary focus became the prevention of birth defects and infant mortality, recognizing these as critical next frontiers in safeguarding the health of the youngest and most vulnerable members of society. This included supporting genetic research, advocating for prenatal care, and educating expectant parents on healthy pregnancies.

Addressing the Global Challenge of Preterm Birth

As the 21st century unfolded, a new and alarming health crisis emerged. By 2005, preterm birth—defined as birth before 37 completed weeks of gestation—had tragically risen to become the leading cause of death for children worldwide under the age of five. Recognizing the immense scope and devastating impact of this global health challenge, March of Dimes once again adapted its mission. Research into the causes and prevention of premature birth became the organization's paramount focus, underscoring its commitment to tackling the most critical threats to maternal and infant health.

Today, March of Dimes continues to lead the charge against preterm birth through a multifaceted approach: funding cutting-edge research to understand and prevent prematurity, developing educational programs for parents and healthcare providers, advocating for policies that improve access to quality maternal and infant care, and providing support for families experiencing a preterm birth. Their work aims to ensure that every baby has the chance to be born healthy and thrive.

Frequently Asked Questions About March of Dimes

What is the primary mission of March of Dimes today?
Today, March of Dimes is primarily focused on the prevention of premature birth, which is the leading cause of death for children under five worldwide. They also continue to work on preventing birth defects and reducing infant mortality through research, education, advocacy, and support for families.
Who founded March of Dimes?
March of Dimes was founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938. It was originally named the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, specifically to combat polio.
How did March of Dimes contribute to the fight against polio?
The organization played a crucial role in eradicating polio by funding Dr. Jonas Salk's research to develop the polio vaccine and supporting its widespread trials and distribution, which led to the near elimination of the disease.
Where did the name "March of Dimes" come from?
The name "March of Dimes" was coined by radio personality Eddie Cantor in 1938. He encouraged listeners to send dimes to the White House to support President Roosevelt's anti-polio efforts, creating a "march" of small donations.
Why did March of Dimes shift its focus from polio to other areas?
After the success of the polio vaccine and the near eradication of the disease, March of Dimes adapted its mission to address other significant threats to maternal and infant health, primarily focusing on birth defects, infant mortality, and later, preterm birth.