March of Dimes

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The March of Dimes was formed in 1938 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt to find a cure for polio. After just 20 years, the research headed by Jonas Saulk led to the vaccine that we give our babies today. The organization then turned its efforts to combatting the 3000-5000 birth defects that threaten the health and lives of our nations babies.

GOALS for the year 2000:

reduce the incidence of birth defects by 10%

reduce infant mortality rate to 7 in 1000 babies--the US has only 24th lowest infant mortality rate in the world

reduce low birth weight below 5%

increase the number of pregnant women who seek prenatal care in their first trimester to 90%

MODEL KATHY IRELAND TO WALK FOR HEALTHIER BABIES....... Model Kathy Ireland has been named National Honorary Chairperson of Walk America . In addition, Ms. Ireland will lead Walk America as part of the K-Mart team. Ms.Ireland says she has personal reasons to be thankful for the March of Dimes' 60 years of success in helping children have healthier lives. "As a mother of a healthy 3yr old son, the fight for healthier babies really hits home," she said, "it's a privilege for me to serve as a chairperson on Walk America , she added. Ms.Ireland has participated as a member of the Kmart Team for the past three years and has helped promote its importance.