#United States #Arlington #Maternal Health #March of Dimes #Preeclampsia Research

March of Dimes’ Investment in Maternal Health Research

In a groundbreaking announcement, March of Dimes, a leading organization dedicated to maternal and infant health research, has pledged $600,000 in research funding as part of its 2026 Discovery Grants. This investment aims to support three innovative projects focused on improving maternal health outcomes, specifically addressing issues related to preeclampsia, the impact of state-paid sick leave on prenatal care, and the effectiveness of current quality care surveys used during pregnancy.

The Impact of the Discovery Grants

The Discovery Grants are awarded to scientists who propose ambitious research ideas that can significantly impact maternal and infant health. The funded studies aim to:

1. Develop new therapies for treating preeclampsia.
2. Investigate if state-mandated paid sick leave can correlate with reduced rates of preterm births.
3. Evaluate the validity of quality of care surveys provided to pregnant women in assessing their prenatal care experience.

Dr. Emre Seli, Chief Scientific Advisor for March of Dimes, emphasized the importance of these projects and how they could transform the landscape of pregnancy and childbirth, stating, “These projects are not only fascinating and important—they have the power to transform pregnancy and birth in our lifetime.”

Spotlight on the Researchers

1. Dr. Frank Lee

Dr. Frank Lee, a Professor at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, is exploring the role of a specific gene, HIF-2, in the progression of preeclampsia. His research findings from Tibetan women, who show lower rates of the condition due to decreased HIF-2 expression, could lead to innovative treatments focusing on gene suppression for those affected by preeclampsia.

2. Dr. Chanup Jeung

Dr. Chanup Jeung from the State University of New York at Albany will examine the relationship between state-paid sick leave and access to necessary prenatal care among low-income women. His research is particularly pertinent for those who lack employer-provided sick leave, as he aims to understand how such policies can shape maternal health outcomes through enhanced access to healthcare.

3. Dr. Jaime Slaughter-Acey

Dr. Jaime Slaughter-Acey, an Associate Professor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, is conducting a large-scale study with Black postpartum women in Detroit. Her research aims to determine if the existing quality of care surveys truly reflect the respectful and medically-informed care experiences of these women. By introducing her questionnaire, she hopes to capture the nuances of care, including any microaggressions faced by patients.

The Legacy of March of Dimes

Since its founding, March of Dimes has been a pioneer in funding innovative research in maternal and infant health. Each year, they invest millions into scientific inquiries, contributing to a better understanding of pregnancies and broader health strategies. The organization supports six Prematurity Research Centers and offers multiple grant mechanisms each year while recognizing outstanding contributions to maternal-fetal health through annual awards.

To learn more about their initiatives and research funding opportunities, visit marchofdimes.org.

Conclusion

The commitment shown by March of Dimes through these Discovery Grants not only illustrates the organization’s dedication to improved maternal health but also highlights the urgent need for innovative research in this field. By providing significant funding for vital research projects, March of Dimes is playing a central role in shaping the future of prenatal care and maternal health in the United States.