The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.

Description:
Every day in the United States, more than 1300 babies are born to soon, some so small they must fight for their lives; 97 babies are born with hearts that don't work properly; 77 babies die.

For nearly seven decades, the March of Dimes has been working for the day when no innocent babies must face threats on their lives and health. Our life-saving research and innovative prevention programs have saved millions of babies from death and disability.

History:
In 1938, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt established the March of Dimes to face down and conquer polio. The organization that he built was a unique partnership. While scientists worked in their laboratories, thousands of volunteers raised money to support research and help polio victims and their families. That alliance of scientists and volunteers turned out to be spectacularly effective. Within 20 years, the Salk vaccine had been developed and polio was on the run.

The March of Dimes success against polio demonstrated the extraordinary power of volunteers and the enormous benefits of science in service to humanity. In 1958, the March of Dimes brought this formidable partnership to bear against another, even greater, challenge – birth defects, the nation’s number one child health problem. More than four decades and a track record or successes later, the March of Dimes continues it’s fight to save babies.

Contact people:

Kate Larison, Executive Director, (phone), (email) Andrea Jones, Administrative Assistant, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (785) 228-2718

Address:

1133 Gage Boulevard Topeka, KS 66604 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.marchofdimes.com

Directions:

The March of Dimes is located at 1133 Gage just south of the Fleming Place Office Park.