SR975: SR975 March of Dimes; commend; March of Dimes March for Change; recognize March 10, 2026

26 LC 112 3873 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, a s March of Dimes1 March for Change at the state capitol; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the March of Dimes Foundation is a pioneer in improving the health of infants3 and women of childbearing age by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant and4 maternal mortality; and5 WHEREAS, founded in 1938 to fight polio, the March of Dimes funded the development of6 two vaccines that virtually eliminated the crippling disease, a nd in 1958, after having7 achieved its initial mission, the organization shifted its attention from polio to the prevention8 of preterm birth, the greatest contributing factor to newborns dying within their first month9 of life; and10 WHEREAS, over 14,907 preterm births occurred in Georgia in 2024 , a figure which11 represents one in every nine babies born in this state; and12 WHEREAS, of the maternal deaths reviewed from 2020 to 2022, 141 deaths were13 determined to be pregnancy-related, and 87 percent of those pregnancy-related deaths were14 deemed preventable; and15 S. R. 975 - 1 - 26 LC 112 3873 WHEREAS, volunteers and staff of the March of Dimes will be at the capitol on March 10,16 2026, to raise awareness among legislators about the serious consequences of preterm birth17 and infant and maternal mortality as well as to advocate for po licies to address these18 significant public health challenges.19 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body20 commend the efforts of the March of Dimes and its selfless volunteers for their past, present,21 and future work on behalf of mothers and babies in this state, throughout the nation, and22 around the world and recognize March 10, 2026, as March of Dimes March for Change at23 the state capitol.24 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed25 to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for di stribution to the March of26 Dimes in Georgia. 27 S. R. 975 - 2 -