Prevention activities

• We advocate for prevention and wellness initiatives.
• Preventing prematurity is our current national campaign.
• Areas of focus also include newborn screening and immunizations.

History
On October 13, the March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2011 was introduced in the 112th Congress and referred to the House Financial Services committee. A companion bill (S. 1935) was introduced in the Senate on December 1 and referred to the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs committee.

The March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2011 authorizes the U.S. Mint to strike up to 500,000 $1 silver commemorative coins. A surcharge of $10 added to the coin’s cost will go to the March of Dimes. If all the coins are sold, $5 million would be directed toward improving the health of women, infants, and children by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality through scientific research, community service, and education. The March of Dimes will match these funds through private contributions, generating a total of $10 million.

The commemorative coin will be issued in honor of March of Dimes’ 75th Anniversary in 2014.

About commemorative coins

• Congress annually authorizes commemorative coins to honor American people, places, events, and institutions. Although the coins are legal tender, they are not minted for general circulation. The U.S. Mint produces each commemorative coin in limited quantity and for a limited time.
• Commemorative coins also help raise money for important causes by including a small surcharge that goes to organizations and projects that benefit the community.
• Commemorative coin legislation is revenue-neutral. Coins are produced at no net cost to the Mint; all costs of production are recovered before any funding is received by the entity being recognized.

Take action: Tell Congress that you support the March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2011.

See also: What health care reform means for you and your family, PREEMIE Reauthorization Act