March of Dimes

The health organization established in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The early fundraising was to appeal to children and their families by having them contribute 10 cents or more toward the eradication of polio. With the development of the Salk and Sabin vaccines, polio was virtually eliminated (however, it has reappeared in several countries), and the organization turned its attention to the prevention of birth defects, maternity problems, and neonatal care. The organization, now known as the "March of Dimes Mother's March," maintains a resource center to provide information on pregnancy, birth defects, and genetic and environmental risk factors. A health information specialist who is prepared to answer specific questions can be reached by a toll-free call to 1-888-663-4637.