March of Dimes Launches Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund

ARLINGTON, Va., March 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, March of Dimes launched the Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund to help protect moms and babies from COVID-19, the new coronavirus disease. As the public grapples with the spread of the disease, March of Dimes is serving as a resource for moms and providing them with the information and resources they need to protect their families.

"Mothers across the nation are concerned about the spread of the coronavirus and the risk it poses to themselves and their infants," said Stacey D. Stewart, President and CEO of March of Dimes. "We're launching the Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund to support expecting mothers as they try to protect themselves and their infants from this coronavirus. We believe in leveraging our extensive network of advocates, donors, volunteers and other supporters to help protect moms and babies in this time of need."

March of Dimes will use funds raised from the Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund to support research for necessary interventions to prevent or treat COVID-19, advocate on behalf of moms and babies on this issue and educate the public about precautionary measures. This initiative will support, for example:

1. Research for COVID-19 Interventions for Moms and Moms-to-Be: The $8.3 billion appropriated by Congress to address COVID-19 does not specifically allocate funds for research of interventions that pregnant or lactating women may be able to use. March of Dimes will support research to learn how moms and babies are impacted by COVID-19 and help fast track the development of interventions, such as a vaccine, for COVID-19 that are safe for pregnant and lactating women.
   
   
2. Advocacy in Response to COVID-19 and Improvements in Access to Care for Moms and Babies: March of Dimes will call on government officials to include pregnant and lactating women in clinical trials for COVID-19 interventions. March of Dimes will work to ensure the most vulnerable populations across the nation have access to these vaccines and/or therapeutics once they are developed.
   
   
3. Education for Parents about COVID-19: March of Dimes will leverage its vast network to inform parents about how best to protect their families from COVID-19. March of Dimes will elevate awareness and educate families across the country with the latest information about COVID-19 and ensure they stay informed about COVID-19 countermeasures in development and distribution. March of Dimes will work closely with hospital partners and other healthcare systems to ensure their workforce and families in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and women in pregnancy care programs are receiving the resources and information they need to keep themselves and their families safe.

"March of Dimes is monitoring the spread of COVID-19 around the U.S. and world," added Dr. Rahul Gupta, Chief Medical and Health Officer at March of Dimes. "Currently, we have little evidence that explains how COVID-19 will impact moms and babies. Through this fund, we will work to gather those important answers so that we can best serve moms and babies now and in the future. Today, we are here to support you and your family with the information you need to know during this global pandemic."

March of Dimes has a proven track record of stepping up to help moms and babies in times of need. During the most recent federal government shutdown, March of Dimes collected and distributed unused diapers to local shelters. In the aftermath of natural disasters, March of Dimes raised funds to support expectant mothers, infants and families with essential resources like formula and breastfeeding support, and NICU assistance.

Once the goal of the Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund has been satisfied, March of Dimes will distribute donations where the need is greatest to support the health of all moms and babies. For more information about the fund and how you can support this initiative, visit marchofdimes.org/covid19fund.

About March of Dimes

March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.

SOURCE March of Dimes