BLOOMFIELD, Conn., April 17, 2014 - Twenty years ago, Cigna (NYSE: CI) announced the beginning of its national sponsorship of the March of Dimes. Over the past two decades, Cigna, the Cigna Foundation , Cigna employees and their friends and families have donated more than $28.5 million supporting the charity’s efforts to help moms have full-term pregnancies. In its 20th year, Cigna hopes to raise record amounts to help the March of Dimes  continue its mission.

“With our growing global presence and our intensifying focus on helping individuals take control of their personal health, Cigna remains committed to finding innovative solutions for the health challenges faced by mothers and their newborns,” said Cigna's President & CEO, David Cordani . “By continuously moving the needle in reducing preterm birth and effectively educating parents about how to have healthier babies, the March of Dimes has proven to be a strong partner in our pursuit of this healthy goal.”

“What impresses me is the personal passion Cigna employees show for our March of Dimes campaign, even in the twentieth year of our sponsorship,” said Tyrrell Schmidt, Cigna global head of business strategy and marketing and the national chair of the company’s March of Dimes campaign. “The emotional and economic costs of preterm birth affect our employees, as well as the individuals and businesses we serve. It’s that personal link that keeps our support for the March of Dimes fresh, year after year.”

The company aims to make its 20th year as national sponsor of the March of Dimes its most successful fund-raising effort yet. Energized by this year’s slogan, “10 Fingers. 10 Toes. 20 Years,” Cigna employees are actively engaged in the March of Dimes “March for Babies ” events in their communities nationwide. Participants in Connecticut, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Dallas, Phoenix, Scranton and other cities where Cigna has major offices, will see large contingents of Cigna walkers – and in some places, 5K runners – lace up to raise more money and show Cigna’s support for healthy babies.

About Cigna and the Cigna Foundation

The Cigna Foundation is a private foundation funded by contributions from Cigna Corporation (NYSE: CI) and its subsidiaries. The Cigna Foundation supports organizations sharing its commitment to enhancing the health of individuals and families, and the well-being of their communities, with a special focus on those communities where Cigna employees live and work. To learn more about Cigna®, including links to follow us on Facebook or Twitter, visit www.Cigna.com .

About the March of Dimes

The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com  ornacersano.org . Find us on Facebook  and follow us on Twitter .