1) Question: What does the March of Dimes do?
Answer: The March of Dimes is the nonprofit health organization that is leading the way in the fight to defeat premature birth. Its mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects 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 five-year, $75 million campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth.

2) Q: How can I contact the March of Dimes?
A: The March of Dimes website is marchofdimes.com and its Spanish website is nacersano.org. Those who are interested in volunteering for the March of Dimes can contact their local chapter, which can be found on the website. The phone number for the National Office of the March of Dimes is 1-888-MODIMES. The March of Dimes Pregnancy & Newborn Health Education Center has information on hundreds of pregnancy topics and can be reached by e-mail at askus@marchofdimes.com or at preguntas@nacersano.org for the Spanish speaking population.

3) Q: Who founded the March of Dimes?
A: President Franklin D. Roosevelt founded the March of Dimes in 1938 to save America’s youth from polio. His premise was that people can solve any problem if they work together. Roosevelt created a partnership of volunteers and researchers. And, within 17 years, the Salk vaccine had been developed and the eradication of polio in the United States was on the horizon. With the help and support of the American people – and in the tradition of President Roosevelt – the March of Dimes has saved the lives of millions of babies over the past 66 years.

4) Q: What is March of Dimes WalkAmerica?
A: WalkAmerica is the nation’s first and best-loved walking event and is held in nearly 1,100 communities in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. WalkAmerica typically draws 500,000 walkers nationwide and the Walks are usually six miles long. As the March of Dimes biggest fund-raiser, WalkAmerica supports research and programs to help prevent or treat premature birth, birth defects and other threats to babies’ health. Since the first Walk in 1970, WalkAmerica has raised more than $1 billion to help give babies a fighting chance. Those interested in joining WalkAmerica can visit walkamerica.org to register, become a sponsor or volunteer.

5) Q: What is the March of Dimes budget and where does the money go?
A: In 2003, total public support and revenue from both operating and non-operating activities was $217.5 million. In that year, 74 percent of the March of Dimes expenses went to funding program activities including research, advocacy, community programs and educational activities.