INITIATIVES
There are various groups and initiatives in our community helping to improve the lives and childhood experiences of Memphis youth.
INFANT MORTALITY INITIATIVE
The Shelby County Office of Early Childhood and Youth coordinates the local activities of the Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative known as All Babies Count. Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen and Shelby County Mayor A C Wharton, Jr., serve as partners on this project and are dedicated to aggressively increasing positive local birth outcomes through education, outreach and partnerships.
All Babies Count serves as the leader of a comprehensive coalition of local infant mortality reduction agencies and programs. The initiative serves as liaison to the Governor's Office of Children's Care Coordination, reviews policies pertaining to infant mortality, and conducts campaigns with organizations to increase public awareness.
MID-SOUTH COLLABORATIVE ON ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY, PREVENTION, AND PARENTING
Statement of Need
In Memphis, in an average week, there are over 200 normal births. Additionally, there are 30-35 preterm and 20-25 low birth-weight babies born. Approximately 4 babies die weekly before reaching their first birthday. Slightly over 20% of live births in Memphis are born to a mother receiving late or no prenatal care.
Birth defects account for about 1 in 7 infant deaths.
In 2005, Shelby County accounted for 103 (36%) of the adolescent pregnancies of girls age 10-14 in Tennessee, including 61% of black and 7% of white pregnancies.
For girls aged 10-17, Shelby County accounted for 1,149 (27%) of the state's pregnancies, including 56% of black and 8% of white pregnancies.
Teen pregnancy in Memphis remains among the highest of any city. According to a recent study by the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, teenage mothers face an uncertain future, as they are more likely to drop out of school and live in poverty. Unfortunately, this trend often carries over to the next generation. The study found that the children of teen mothers are more likely to grow up poor, to be abused or neglected, and to be dependent on welfare. Many teen mothers give birth to daughters who become pregnant themselves as teenagers, while their sons experience a high rate of incarceration. Further, the younger the childbearing adolescent, the greater is the likelihood of adverse impacts.
In addition to personal impacts on adolescent mothers and their children, in 2004 teen childbearing in Tennessee is conservatively estimated to have cost state and local taxpayers a staggering 110 million (61%) and an additional 71 million (39%) in federal funds. These estimated Tennessee costs include increases in public sector healthcare costs, child welfare costs, and state prison system costs, and also lost revenue due to lower taxes paid by the children of teen mothers over their own adult lifetimes. The Institute of Medicine estimated the 2005 cost of a pre-term birth (<37 weeks of gestation) to be 51,600 dollars per infant, with nearly two-thirds of this accounted for by medical costs. However, these calculations probably underestimate the higher actual costs of births to the youngest mothers, who are likely to have premature or low birth-weight babies requiring special and very expensive care.
Due to the importance of breaking the existing cycle of young adolescent pregnancy, the Mid-South Collaborative on Adolescent Pregnancy, Prevention, and Parenting was formed.
The Collaborative is composed of agencies in Memphis and Shelby County that provide services to prevent teen pregnancies or provide services to support pregnant teens and their families.
MCAPPP's Vision: Children, youth, families, and communities are provided information, services and support needed to make responsible decisions about planning and raising a healthy family.
To join or find out additional information please contact Kenya Bradshaw at kbradshaw@theurbanchildinstitute.org or at 901-526-1822 ext 242.
COMMUNITY VOICE
Community Voice, a March of Dimes program, is dedicated to increasing community awareness and encouraging community action around preconception care, premature birth, preterm labor and infant safety in order to reduce disparities and improve birth outcomes. The Community Voice program aims to support behaviors that promote healthy pregnancies -- motivating people to encourage lifestyle changes.
Community VoiceFor more information
CENTERING PREGNANCY
Centering Pregnancy, a clinic-based program for pregnant mothers adopted by the Shelby County Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative is a model of group healthcare. Through assessment, education, and support, pregnant mothers receive prenatal care in a social network or group setting.
Research has shown increased patient and provider satisfaction in Centering groups and improved patient outcomes.
For more information