The role of the March of Dimes in dealing with polio

The March of Dimes is a renowned U.S.-based nonprofit organization founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Initially established to combat polio, a disease that Roosevelt himself battled, the March of Dimes made significant contributions to medical research, public awareness, and patient care. Its role in the fight against polio, especially during the mid-20th century, was groundbreaking and remains a defining chapter in the history of public health. Poliomyelitis, or polio, is a highly infectious viral disease that primarily affects young children, often leading to paralysis, muscle atrophy, and even death. Outbreaks of polio in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, created widespread fear and urgency. Children were most susceptible, and there was no known cure or preventive vaccine. The disease spread rapidly, and public health measures such as quarantines, school closures, and the use of iron lungs for patients with severe respiratory problems highlighted the desperate need for a solution. Franklin D. Roosevelt, who contracted polio in 1921, became a prominent advocate for polio research and patient rehabilitation. Although his illness was never publicly discussed in detail during his presidency, his struggle with the disease became a symbol of hope and resilience for many. In 1938, Roosevelt founded the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis (NFIP), which later became known as the March of Dimes. The organization’s mission was clear: to raise funds for polio research, provide care for those affected, and ultimately develop a vaccine to eradicate the disease. The name "March of Dimes" was coined after a fundraising campaign where people were encouraged to send dimes to the White House to help fund polio research. The phrase played off a popular radio show called "The March of Time." This campaign was immensely successful, and the March of Dimes quickly became a household name across the country.

The March of Dimes revolutionized the way nonprofits engaged with the public, utilizing media and community outreach to raise awareness about polio and its devastating effects. One of the most notable aspects of the organization’s success was its broad base of support. People from all walks of life were encouraged to contribute, and the campaign appealed to Americans’ sense of unity in the fight against a common enemy. The March of Dimes also pioneered strategies for mass fundraising, using celebrity endorsements, radio broadcasts, and posters to reach millions of Americans. By involving communities at the grassroots level, the organization helped foster a national sense of urgency regarding polio research. The emphasis on small, individual donations made the campaign accessible to a wide range of donors, allowing the organization to raise significant funds. Perhaps the most significant contribution of the March of Dimes was its funding of scientific research that led to the development of effective polio vaccines. The organization played a pivotal role in supporting researchers like Dr. Jonas Salk, whose polio vaccine was a landmark achievement in the history of medicine. In the early 1950s, Dr. Salk developed a vaccine using killed poliovirus, which proved to be highly effective in preventing the disease. The March of Dimes funded Salk’s research and supported the massive field trials that followed. In 1954, the vaccine was tested on over one million children in the U.S. in what was one of the largest medical experiments in history. These trials were successful, and in 1955, the Salk vaccine was licensed for public use. Shortly afterward, another major development in polio prevention came from Dr. Albert Sabin, who developed an oral polio vaccine using a weakened form of the virus. This oral vaccine, easier to administer than Salk's injection, became the predominant method for global polio vaccination in the 1960s. Once again, the March of Dimes provided crucial support for this work.

The widespread distribution of the polio vaccines, made possible by the research funded by the March of Dimes, marked a turning point in the battle against polio. The incidence of the disease plummeted in the U.S. and other parts of the world. Before the vaccine, the polio epidemic crippled thousands of children annually; after its introduction, polio cases in the U.S. were virtually eliminated by the early 1960s. The global campaign against polio continues to this day, but the role of the March of Dimes in initiating the downfall of the disease cannot be overstated. After polio was largely controlled in the United States, the March of Dimes shifted its focus to other health concerns. In the 1960s, the organization broadened its mission to focus on the prevention of birth defects and infant mortality. Today, the March of Dimes is dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies, providing funding for research into premature birth, genetic disorders, and neonatal care. While polio is no longer the primary focus of the organization, its legacy in the fight against the disease remains a testament to the power of public health initiatives and scientific research.

The role of the March of Dimes in the fight against polio is a powerful example of how grassroots fundraising, public advocacy, and scientific research can come together to combat a global health crisis. The organization not only helped fund the development of vaccines that saved countless lives but also reshaped how the public engages with health-related causes. Today, the March of Dimes continues to make strides in improving maternal and child health, but its legacy as a key player in the fight against polio endures as one of its most remarkable achievements. The March of Dimes' success underscores the importance of sustained, organized efforts in addressing public health challenges, offering a blueprint for future endeavors to combat epidemics and other pressing global health issues.

Craig Payne is a University lecturer, runner, cynic, researcher, skeptic, forum admin, woo basher, clinician, rabble-rouser, blogger and a dad.