March of Dimes Honors Joe Kiani for Healthcare Innovation at San Diego Gala
Event summary
- March of Dimes hosted its annual Black Ties for Babies Gala in San Diego on October 15, 2026.
- Joe Kiani, Founder and Chairman of the Patient Safety Movement Foundation, received the Community Impact Award.
- In 2024, 649 women in the U.S. died from maternal causes and over 20,000 babies died before their first birthday.
- Kiani co-invented measure-through-motion pulse oximetry, used to monitor over 200 million patients annually.
- Funds raised support March of Dimes' research, education, advocacy, and community programs.
The big picture
The U.S. ranks poorly among developed nations for childbirth outcomes, with two women dying daily from pregnancy-related causes. March of Dimes' gala highlights the critical need for innovation and funding to improve maternal and infant health. Kiani's contributions underscore the role of technology in enhancing patient safety and reducing healthcare inequities.
What we're watching
- Innovation Impact
- How Kiani's technologies will further reduce preventable hospital deaths and improve newborn safety.
- Funding Momentum
- Whether the gala's fundraising efforts will accelerate March of Dimes' research and advocacy initiatives.
- Industry Collaboration
- The pace at which healthcare innovators and nonprofits collaborate to address maternal and infant health disparities.
Related topics