WHEREAS, families can face serious health risks and March of Dimes fights for their health by supporting research, leading programs, and providing education and advocacy; and
WHEREAS, March of Dimes was founded by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1938 to fight polio, and funded the development of two vaccines – still in use today – that virtually eliminated the crippling disease; and
WHEREAS, in 1958, March of Dimes, having achieved its initial mission, shifted its attention from polio to the prevention of birth defects and, through federal and state advocacy, led the way in establishing a nationwide network of birth defects monitoring programs and research centers; and
WHEREAS, March of Dimes has undertaken decades of groundbreaking research in maternal and infant health, which has led to the discovery of lifesaving products and tests such as surfactant therapy for premature infants and tests to identify life-threatening birth defects; and
WHEREAS, March of Dimes is a long-time advocate for access to health care for women of childbearing age, infants, children, and families, ensuring they have access to equality, affordable health care before, during, and after pregnancy through programs such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Medicaid postpartum extension coverage for one full year after childbirth; and
WHEREAS, March of Dimes has set a national goal of reducing preterm birth to 8.1 percent in every state, which will result in a healthier start in life for tens of thousands of infants; and
WHEREAS, March of Dimes and its volunteers continue to advocate for national and state policies and programs to improve the health of women of childbearing age, infants, children, and families; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina recognizes March of Dimes for their continuous commitment to mobilize the nation by amplifying the voices of pregnant people and families;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim April 25, 2023, as “MARCH OF DIMES 85th ANNIVERSARY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.