Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc

Zeta Phi Beta's Philanthropy

The March of Dimes and You: Fighting to Save Babies' Lives

Since its founding in 1938, the March of Dimes has helped to save millions of babies from death and disability. Their history includes:

• 
  Developing the vaccine declared against polio...1955
  Funding the first successful bone marrow transplant to correct a birth defect...1968
  Funding the first in utero treatment for a birth defect...1973
  Calling for the creation of a regional system of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to save very sick babies...1976
  Funding research leading to surfactant therapy to treat respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)...1985
  Successfully using gene therapy to treat hemophelia and retinitis pigmentosa in the laboratory...1999
  Ongoing research based upon delivery of a gene that affects the development of a healthy heart...2000

Stork's Nest

Since 1972, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority has enjoyed a partnership with the March of Dimes in an effort to encourage women to seek prenatal care within the first trimester of pregnancy, thereby increasing the prevention of birth defects and infant mortality. Nationwide, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. sponsors over 175 Stork's Nests. Last year, the Stork's Nest program served over 28,000 women.

The Stork's Nest Program is designed to promote prenatal care participation and healthy behaviors during the pregnancy through two components - incentives and education. Stork's Nest clients "earn" points toward incentives, such as maternity or baby care items, through a variety of positive, health-promoting activities such as attending prenatal care appointments, participating in prenatal education classes, keeping appointments for well-baby visits. The Stork's Nest prenatal education sessions provide information, educational materials, and a variety of other resources and referrals that help clients take good care of themselves and their babies.