Are you trying to find out the purpose of the March of Dimes? This organization strives to help mothers reach full-term in their pregnancies and conducts research about problems that can threaten the health of babies.
About the March of Dimes
The March of Dimes is a charitable organization committed to preventing birth defects and infant death. The organization works toward its mission through education, advocacy and research aimed at prenatal health, genetics and birth defects. The March of Dimes began in 1939 as an organization that focused on polio and operated as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The name was later changed to the March of Dimes as a play on the term march on time.
Throughout the years, the March of Dimes has launched various campaigns to promote the importance of prenatal care. An example is the organization's folic acid campaign that urged women to take folic acid not only while they are pregnant but before they plan on conceiving. The research behind the campaign proved that folic acid reduces the risk of birth defects and is important for all women of childbearing age to take.
Show Your Support
The March of Dimes has been active in preventing premature births as well as helping reduce birth defects. Their efforts are well-known globally and continue to expand due to the support of individuals who want to make a difference. If you are interested in helping support the March of Dimes, there are several ways to do so.
- Join in the Mothers March. This event is one of the largest of the March of Dimes and has been in existence since 1950. People can help by volunteering. Each volunteer will receive a volunteer kit that contains cards, donation letters as well as a list of local people in their neighborhood. The responsibility of each volunteer is to send out letters to their neighbors asking for donations to be sent to the March of Dimes.
- Participate in the March for Babies. This event raises money to help support local programs that help mothers reach full-term pregnancies. The money also funds research for finding solutions to problems that threaten the health of babies.
- Make a monetary donation to the organization. Donations are always needed to support the efforts of the March of Dimes. There are several options for donations. In addition to monetary contributions, gifts of stock, unwanted vehicles and used cell phones can also be donated.
Finding Help
If you are a woman who is planning on becoming pregnant, is pregnant or just had a baby, the March of Dimes has resources available regarding the health of your child. For example premature babies are often placed in newborn intensive care units. During this time, parents can often feel stressed out and have nowhere to turn. The March of Dimes provides support and resources to families to help them make it through this difficult time. If you are in need of help from the March of Dimes, contact your local chapter to see what resources are available in your area.
