Senate Resolution 975
By: Senators Harrell of the 40th, Watson of the 1st, Davenport of the 17th, Kirkpatrick of the
32nd, Echols of the 49th and others
A RESOLUTION
Commending the March of Dimes and recognizing March 10, 2026, as March of Dimes
March for Change at the state capitol; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS, the March of Dimes Foundation is a pioneer in improving the health of infants
and women of childbearing age by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant and
maternal mortality; and
WHEREAS, founded in 1938 to fight polio, the March of Dimes funded the development of
two vaccines that virtually eliminated the crippling disease, and in 1958, after having
achieved its initial mission, the organization shifted its attention from polio to the prevention
of preterm birth, the greatest contributing factor to newborns dying within their first month
of life; and
WHEREAS, over 14,907 preterm births occurred in Georgia in 2024, a figure which
represents one in every nine babies born in this state; and
WHEREAS, of the maternal deaths reviewed from 2020 to 2022, 141 deaths were
determined to be pregnancy-related, and 87 percent of those pregnancy-related deaths were
deemed preventable; and
WHEREAS, volunteers and staff of the March of Dimes will be at the capitol on March 10,
2026, to raise awareness among legislators about the serious consequences of preterm birth
and infant and maternal mortality as well as to advocate for policies to address these
significant public health challenges.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body
commend the efforts of the March of Dimes and its selfless volunteers for their past, present,
and future work on behalf of mothers and babies in this state, throughout the nation, and
around the world and recognize March 10, 2026, as March of Dimes March for Change at
the state capitol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the March of
Dimes in Georgia.