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Today in History: March of Dimes founded to combat polio

1/3/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On January 3, 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the March of Dimes, originally named the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The organization aimed to fund research for a vaccine and later expanded its mission to address birth defects and infant mortality, focusing on preventing premature births in recent years.

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Story summary

On January 3, 1938, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the March of Dimes, originally named the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, to combat polio. The organization aimed to fund research for a vaccine and later expanded its mission to address birth defects and infant mortality, focusing on preventing premature births in recent years.