Kids Matter!

Kids Matter! - 2008

9.8% (395) of the 4,012 total births were low birth weight births (weighed less than approx. 5.5 pounds). 1.6% (66) of these total births were very low birth weight. There have been no significant improvements in the percent of low birth weight births in recent years.
The infant mortality rate (IMR) was 8.7 per 1,000. This rate reflects 35 infants who died before their 1st birthday. The IMR for Black infants remains almost twice that of White infants.
Total teen birth rate for mothers (ages 15-19) was 55.8 per 1,000 constituting 510 births in this age group.
Total teen pregnancy rate for mothers (Ages 15-17) was 44.9 per 1,000, constituting 233 pregnancies in this age group. The data suggest a slight decline in overall rates for the 2005-2007 period.
Of the 698 total pregnancies to teen mothers (ages 15-19), almost one-third were repeat pregnancies. Teen moms with multiple children have greater challenges to finish school or keep a job.
There were 12 teen violent deaths (ages 13-19), constituting a death rate of 47.5 per 100,000.
893 cases of sexually transmitted disease (STD) were reported for teens (ages 13-19). STDs continue to disproportionally affect Black teens and can lead to long-term problems, especially for females (e.g. fetal and perinatal health problems, infertility, and cancer).

Be aware of and avoid risk factors for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS): stomach or side sleeping, soft sleep surfaces, loose bedding, overheating, smoking, and bed sharing.
Avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and illicit drugs which can cause birth defects, slow fetal growth, and lead to premature delivery.
Access preventive health care to assure optimal preconceptional health and prenatal care to identify and treat problems early¹.
Avoiding sexual contact or unprotected sexual intercourse, and other risky behaviors such as alcohol and drugs, can reduce the likelihood of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD).
Babies Can't Wait program provides services and supports to famlies of infants and toddlers with developmental disabilities to ensure proper development.
Resource Mothers that work with pregnant and parenting teens promote healthy birth outcomes and prevent repeat pregnancies².
African-American adolescent girls tend to initiate sex earlier and are more likely to initiate sexual activity prior to age 13. This places them at increased risk for pregnancy, STDs and HIV³.
Local health departments, teen centers, and planned parenthood centers provide resources to teenagers to deter pregnancy, STDs, and promote awareness for positive health⁴.