March of Dimes

The March of Dimes was founded in 1938 to battle the epidemic problem of polio. Supported by our nationwide fundraising efforts, Dr. Jonas Salk developed a safe and effective polio vaccine in 1955. Since that time, we have focused our efforts on the prevention of birth defects, premature birth and infant death, and have achieved many significant milestones that have improved the lives of millions of children and families across the country. We have been a driving force behind the development of neonatal intensive care units, newborn screening tests, pharmacological and behavior-based interventions for pregnant women and children with birth defects, and public policy changes that support our mission. Recently, the March of Dimes launched a seven-year campaign to address the medically and socially demanding problem of prematurity. Premature birth affects more than 18,300 Ohio babies every year!