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.
March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2012
Sponsors: Representatives Robert Dold (R-IL) and Nita Lowey (D-NY) and Senators Kay Hagan (D-NC) and Susan Collins (R-ME).
History
On December 18, 2012, President Barack Obama signed the March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2012, which honors the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes and recognizes its landmark accomplishments in maternal and child health. The U.S. Senate passed the bill on December 10; the U.S. House of Representatives passed similar legislation on August 1.
The March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2012 authorizes the U.S. Mint to strike up to 500,000 silver $1 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 towards vital programs and scientific research to improve infant health. The March of Dimes will match these funds through private contributions.
March of Dimes volunteers across the country created a groundswell of support for the coin, sending letters, holding meetings and making phone calls to persuade 72 Senators and 305 Representatives – more than two-thirds of each chamber – to cosponsor the respective bills.
The commemorative coin will be issued in 2015 in honor of the March of Dimes’ 75th Anniversary.
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.
See also: What health care reform means for you and your family, PREEMIE Reauthorization Act
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