March of Dimes
The mission of the March of Dimes is to ensure the health of all babies born in America. The organization works to reduce infant mortality, low birth weight and birth defects, as well as encourage women to seek prenatal care during the first trimester. The online Pregnancy and Newborn Section has free information for expectant women and statistics on infant health. The March of Dimes holds the yearly WalkAmerica to raise awareness.
President Franklin Roosevelt established the March of Dimes in 1938 to help fight polio. In 1958, the group began their efforts to prevent birth defects. Among the group's accomplishments is research showing that alcohol consumption by pregnant women leads to birth defects, and the introduction of intensive care units for newborns in hospitals. Ten scientists funded by the March of Dimes have won the Nobel Prize, including Linus Pauling and James Watson.
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