Establishment of the March of Dimes

On January 3, 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the March of Dimes, originally known as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis. The organization was created in response to the polio epidemic, a critical health challenge that affected thousands of Americans, including Roosevelt himself, who had been paralyzed by the disease since 1921.

Background

Before the establishment of the March of Dimes, polio was a feared disease with no known cure, often leading to paralysis or death. The epidemic primarily affected children, leading to its association with the term “infantile paralysis.” The disease garnered significant public attention due to its highly infectious nature and the absence of effective treatment or prevention methods.

Key Objectives

The primary goal of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis was to support and fund research towards the development of a polio vaccine and to assist individuals affected by the disease. It aimed to raise awareness about polio, provide aid to polio patients, and support the families impacted by the disease.

Public Engagement and Fundraising

The foundation utilized innovative fundraising strategies to garner widespread public support. One of the most notable initiatives was the “March of Dimes,” a campaign that encouraged people to donate dimes to the cause. The success of these efforts was largely attributed to the support of the American people and Roosevelt’s personal appeal.

Impact and Legacy

The foundation played a crucial role in funding the research that led to the development of the polio vaccine by Dr. Jonas Salk, which was introduced in 1955. The vaccine’s success transformed the fight against polio, dramatically reducing the incidence of the disease worldwide.

The March of Dimes continued to evolve, broadening its mission to focus on preventing birth defects and infant mortality, while maintaining its commitment to improving the health of mothers and babies. Today, it remains an influential public health organization, advocating for policies and research that support maternal and child health.

By establishing the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, Franklin D. Roosevelt left a lasting legacy in public health, marking a turning point in the battle against one of the 20th century’s most feared diseases.