National Child Health Day Timeline

​1991

Dance marathon movement begins​ — to support pediatric hospitals

Miracle Network Dance Marathon is a movement benefitting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 170 pediatric hospitals across North America. College, university, and high school students get to meet patient families treated at local hospitals, participate in the dance marathon, and announce their annual fundraising total.​

​1960

A new date to celebrate​

​Originally observed on May 1, National Child Health Day moves to the first Monday in October.

​1929

National Child Health Day began​

​Responding to pleas from both the American Federation of Labor and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, in 1928, President Calvin Coolidge issued a Child Health Day Proclamation. It was first celebrated on May 1, 1929, and every year since, the current president has proclaimed the day on which it is observed.