March of Dimes, the nonprofit organization that funded the research that found the cure for polio, has been working to improve the health of babies for 70 years.
With chapters nationwide, March of Dimes carries out its mission to save the lives of babies through programs, research, community services, education and advocacy. Since it was established in 1938, the organization has invested in research to find solutions to premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.
“We support research that will one day determine and then eliminate the unknown causes of prematurity, which affect almost 5,000 babies in San Diego County each year and rising,” said Nancy Coate, executive director of March of Dimes San Diego, Imperial division.
The Carlsbad Business Journal sat down with Coate to discuss the organization in more detail and its upcoming March for Babies event.
CBJ: Why are the services the organization provides needed?
Coate: Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. One in eight babies will be born premature. With everyone's support, March of Dimes is funding amazing research by the best scientists to learn ways to make more pregnancies go a full nine months.
CBJ: How does March of Dimes differ from other similar nonprofits?
Coate: The March of Dimes is the only organization that concentrates solely on the health of babies. We know that we can make a positive difference in the lives and health of babies. We have a proven record of success, and we will carry on that tradition until every baby is born healthy.
CBJ: What needs does the organization have?
Coate: It is a wonderful time to be involved with the March of Dimes as we celebrate our 70th year as an organization. We are looking for volunteers, and Carlsbad businesses to sponsor events.
CBJ: How can people get involved?
Coate: Join March for Babies on April 19 at Cannon Park in Carlsbad, or April 26 at Balboa Park, and support our mission to help every baby be born healthy. Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun-filled day with a beautiful 5K walk along the coast, bands, food and entertainment for kids. There is no cost to participate, but we do encourage walkers to fundraise. Registration will start at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. For more information, visit www.marchforbabies.org. I hope to see you there!
CBJ: How do you measure success?
Coate: March of Dimes is here to help babies. We are successful if your baby received a vaccine to prevent polio and newborn screening to test for dangerous, but treatable conditions. We are successful if you took folic acid before and during pregnancy to prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord and you had a healthy baby due, in part, to good prenatal care.
CBJ: How do you find the people your organization assists?
Coate: We provide community grants and awards to local organizations to reach out to the women of childbearing age, pregnant moms and mothers who have had a premature baby. We work closely with the Southern California Association of Neonatal Nurses through our Family Council to reach all mothers and their babies when they are discharged from the hospital.
CBJ: How many people has March of Dimes helped since it was established?
Coate: March of Dimes has helped thousands of people throughout the United States and internationally. For example, March of Dimes funded research that laid the groundwork for the first successful fetal surgery to repair birth defects. March of Dimes led the way with our early support of genetics research, funding the early stages of today's molecular biology. We also funded early work that culminated in the mapping of DNA.
March of Dimes San Diego – Imperial Division:
9325 Sky Park Court, Suite 250, San Diego
(858) 576-1211
www.marchofdimes.com/ca
With chapters nationwide, March of Dimes carries out its mission to save the lives of babies through programs, research, community services, education and advocacy. Since it was established in 1938, the organization has invested in research to find solutions to premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.
“We support research that will one day determine and then eliminate the unknown causes of prematurity, which affect almost 5,000 babies in San Diego County each year and rising,” said Nancy Coate, executive director of March of Dimes San Diego, Imperial division.
The Carlsbad Business Journal sat down with Coate to discuss the organization in more detail and its upcoming March for Babies event.
CBJ: Why are the services the organization provides needed?
Coate: Premature birth touches half a million babies and their families every year. Babies born too soon are more likely to die or have disabilities. One in eight babies will be born premature. With everyone's support, March of Dimes is funding amazing research by the best scientists to learn ways to make more pregnancies go a full nine months.
CBJ: How does March of Dimes differ from other similar nonprofits?
Coate: The March of Dimes is the only organization that concentrates solely on the health of babies. We know that we can make a positive difference in the lives and health of babies. We have a proven record of success, and we will carry on that tradition until every baby is born healthy.
CBJ: What needs does the organization have?
Coate: It is a wonderful time to be involved with the March of Dimes as we celebrate our 70th year as an organization. We are looking for volunteers, and Carlsbad businesses to sponsor events.
CBJ: How can people get involved?
Coate: Join March for Babies on April 19 at Cannon Park in Carlsbad, or April 26 at Balboa Park, and support our mission to help every baby be born healthy. Bring the whole family and enjoy a fun-filled day with a beautiful 5K walk along the coast, bands, food and entertainment for kids. There is no cost to participate, but we do encourage walkers to fundraise. Registration will start at 8 a.m. and the walk begins at 9 a.m. For more information, visit www.marchforbabies.org. I hope to see you there!
CBJ: How do you measure success?
Coate: March of Dimes is here to help babies. We are successful if your baby received a vaccine to prevent polio and newborn screening to test for dangerous, but treatable conditions. We are successful if you took folic acid before and during pregnancy to prevent birth defects of the brain and spinal cord and you had a healthy baby due, in part, to good prenatal care.
CBJ: How do you find the people your organization assists?
Coate: We provide community grants and awards to local organizations to reach out to the women of childbearing age, pregnant moms and mothers who have had a premature baby. We work closely with the Southern California Association of Neonatal Nurses through our Family Council to reach all mothers and their babies when they are discharged from the hospital.
CBJ: How many people has March of Dimes helped since it was established?
Coate: March of Dimes has helped thousands of people throughout the United States and internationally. For example, March of Dimes funded research that laid the groundwork for the first successful fetal surgery to repair birth defects. March of Dimes led the way with our early support of genetics research, funding the early stages of today's molecular biology. We also funded early work that culminated in the mapping of DNA.
March of Dimes San Diego – Imperial Division:
9325 Sky Park Court, Suite 250, San Diego
(858) 576-1211
www.marchofdimes.com/ca