Medical Information Services

The foundation provides health education services related to the prevention of infant mortality, premature birth and congenital birth defects. Services include disease and disability information, genetic counseling information, public awareness and education, and volunteer opportunities. There are no geographic restrictions.

The agency's March of Dimes Pregnancy and Newborn Health Education Center provides pregnancy information to the general public on a variety of topics. Health information related to pregnancy is available on the agency's website and questions are answered via email. The March of Dimes also works with businesses to enhance their employee wellness program through Healthy Babies and Healthy Businesses, a web-based link.

Literature and videos are available on a wide variety of birth defects including sickle cell anemia, RH disease, Down Syndrome, polio, spina bifida, Tay-Sachs, thalassemia, cleft lip and palate, PKU, congenital heart defects, and clubfoot. Information about prevention of birth defects, pregnant teens, the effects of alcohol and drug use during pregnancy, tobacco and STD's are also available.

The agency also produces a comprehensive curriculum on healthy pregnancy targeted to the Hispanic/Latino community. Agencies who provide public awareness/education services to promote healthy births can order the materials in English or Spanish. The curriculum is titled Becoming a Mom/Comenzando bien.

The foundation funds scientific research that relates to prenatal care, birth defects, genetic disorders and premature labor. It also funds professional training and information sharing about high risk pregnancy and perinatal and genetic services. The agency actively recruits, trains, and uses volunteers in all aspects of its work. The foundation provides support to families of babies in the NICU through a web-based share site for parents and their families at www.marchofdimes.com/share.