March of Dimes Company Profile

Background

Founded in 1938 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the health of mothers and babies. Initially established to combat polio, the organization expanded its mission to address birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Today, March of Dimes focuses on ending preventable maternal health risks and deaths, preterm births, and infant deaths, while striving to close the health equity gap for all families.

Key Strategic Focus

March of Dimes employs a multifaceted approach to maternal and infant health through:

Research: Funding studies to uncover solutions for preventing preterm births and birth defects.

Advocacy: Influencing policies that prioritize maternal and infant health.

Education: Providing resources and programs to support parents throughout pregnancy.

Healthcare Professional Training: Educating providers to enhance care for mothers and babies.

Community Engagement: Uniting local communities through events and collaborations.

Partnerships: Collaborating with organizations committed to maternal and infant health.

These efforts aim to address challenges such as limited access to care, health disparities, and high rates of preterm birth and maternal mortality.

Financials and Funding

March of Dimes has a history of securing funding to support its initiatives. In 2022, the organization launched the Innovation Fund, a venture philanthropy initiative investing in early-stage companies addressing maternal and infant health challenges. The first investment was in Iron Health, a virtual care platform complementing OB-GYN services. Additionally, in 2022, the Color Street Foundation pledged $1 million to support March of Dimes' research, programs, education, and advocacy efforts.

Pipeline Development

Through the Innovation Fund, March of Dimes has invested in several companies developing solutions for maternal and infant health, including:

Iron Health: A virtual care platform supporting OB-GYN practices with comprehensive services.

Millie: A tech-enabled maternity clinic offering collaborative OB/Midwifery care.

Novocuff: Developing a cervical device to address preterm birth complications.

PyrAmes: Creating wearable technology for continuous blood pressure monitoring in neonates and mothers.

Raydiant Oximetry: Developing devices to monitor fetal oxygenation during labor and assess postpartum hemorrhage.

Seven Starling: Providing therapy, peer support, and medication management for perinatal mood disorders.

These investments aim to bring innovative solutions to market, improving health outcomes for mothers and babies.

Technological Platform and Innovation

March of Dimes leverages its Innovation Fund to invest in technologies addressing key drivers of maternal and infant health outcomes, such as:

Prevention of Preterm Birth and Birth Defects: Supporting innovations that reduce spontaneous preterm births and birth defects.

Maternal Mental Health: Investing in solutions that address chronic maternal stress and mental health conditions.

Cardiovascular Health: Focusing on technologies that reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes due to cardiovascular disease.

By supporting early-stage companies, March of Dimes fosters the development of proprietary technologies and scientific methodologies aimed at improving maternal and infant health.

Leadership Team

As of August 2024, the executive leadership includes:

Cindy Rahman: Interim President and CEO. Previously served as Chief Marketing Officer for five years, recognized as the American Marketing Association Foundation's National Nonprofit Marketer of the Year.

Dr. Amanda P. Williams, MD, MPH, FACOG: Interim Chief Medical Officer. Brings 17 years of clinical experience as a practicing OB-GYN and has served as Medical Director at Mahmee, a maternal health company.

These leaders are guiding the organization through strategic initiatives to advance maternal and infant health.

Leadership Changes

In August 2024, March of Dimes announced executive leadership changes:

Cindy Rahman: Appointed Interim President and CEO, focusing on executing the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan.

Dr. Amanda P. Williams: Appointed Interim Chief Medical Officer, bringing extensive clinical experience to the role.

These appointments aim to strengthen the organization's efforts in addressing maternal and infant health challenges.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The maternal and infant health sector encompasses various organizations dedicated to improving health outcomes through research, advocacy, and support programs. The market is characterized by collaborations between nonprofits, healthcare providers, and technology companies to address challenges such as preterm births, birth defects, and maternal mortality.