State Report Grades Regions on Child Welfare

A new state report shows that infant mortality and low birth weight are two problems that continue to plague the Tennessee.

Every year, the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth produces a study called the State of the Child. It supplements the national KIDS COUNT report that compares child well-being among states. That study consistently ranks Tennessee as among the worst in the country for infant mortality, high school dropout rates and teen pregnancy.

Pam Brown, who oversees the state’s report, says this year, the infant mortality rate continues to be a significant issue.

“That’s somewhat disheartening, particularly when you look at both low birth weight babies and infant mortality. Those are two areas we really need to put extra dollars and energy into be able to address some of the issues related to disparity.”

Brown says the state report gives specific information on which regions are having the most problems. For example, Shelby County has the highest infant mortality rate. In Metropolitan areas like Nashville the study found there are higher rates of dropouts and teen pregnancy when compared to counties that border the city.

The entire report is available on the state’s website: www.tennessee.gov/tccy.