As the leading organization fighting for the health of moms and babies, March of Dimes is monitoring the spread of COVID-19, around the U.S. and world. While physical facilities are shut down, the organization is here to support women who may become pregnant, pregnant women and newborns by providing them with the information and guidance they need to protect themselves and their families.

Moms and babies carry more healthcare risk than other populations. The onset of COVID-19 and the effect it is having on families around the world is truly devastating. So they established the Mom and Baby COVID-19 Intervention and Support Fund to address the urgent need for research, advocacy and education to protect moms, babies and families from COVID-19 and the unknown future effects of the virus.

The fund will address the following:

o Research: MOD will support expediting research that fast tracks the development of a COVID-19 vaccine that is safe for pregnant and lactating women. This will likely include identifying and vetting the leading groups and entities doing the research and funding research grants to move the vaccine forward while ensuring pregnant and lactating women are included in the research.

o Public Policy + Access: MOD will call on government officials to close the research gap in vaccine development and call for the inclusion of pregnant women and lactating women in clinical trials for COVID-19. They will raise our voice to ensure the most vulnerable populations across our nation have access to the COVID-19 vaccine once it is developed.

o Awareness + Education: MOD will elevate awareness and educate families across the country with the latest information about COVID-19 and ensure they stay informed about the COVID-19 vaccine development and distribution. They will continue to work closely with hospital partners and other healthcare systems to ensure their workforce and families in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) and women going through pregnancy care programs are receiving the resources and information they need to keep themselves and their families safe.

The goal of The Fund is to ensure families stay informed about COVID-19, a vaccine is developed with moms and babies top of mind, and the vaccine is distributed so everyone across our country has access.

Also, since March For Babies fundraiser has been canceled due to COVID-19, March of Dimes is asking supporters to take part in a virtual fundraiser. Step Up! March for Babies participants will count steps – safely at home or wherever they can – using smart phones or fitness watches. Using a new website and app, it will track and total steps taken toward fundraising goals.

To learn more, visit www.marchforbabies.org.

Visit their Facebook page to watch their weekly Facebook Live broadcast.