WASHINGTON — The prevention efforts undertaken by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation were highlighted by chairman Steve Anderson at the March of Dimes Gourmet Gala last month.

Sen. Tom Cotton and wife Anna with NACDS’ Kathleen Jaeger and Steve Anderson at the 2017 March of Dimes Gourmet Gala.

The NACDS Foundation served as title sponsor of the event — which celebrated its 35th ­anniversary.

The foundation’s prevention focus aligns with the March of Dimes’ mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality, said Anderson, who is also president and chief executive officer of NACDS.

In the foundation’s work, “we also explore ways to improve patient care so that preventable illnesses can be avoided,” he said.

Among the foundation’s current research projects is screening patients for hepatitis C. A study that came out in May revealed that hepatitis C infections among pregnant women nearly doubled in five years in the U.S., often with serious implications for their babies.

“Hepatitis C can go undetected and untreated for years,” Anderson commented at the gala. “That’s why screenings are so important. And that’s just one of about a dozen research projects we have under way.”

The foundation’s philanthropic efforts last year included working with the March of Dimes to prevent the spread of the Zika virus, which continues to be a serious threat, Anderson added.