Accomplishments
This year commemorates the 15th anniversary of the
North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation and our leadership
of statewide efforts to reduce infant death and disability.
Established initially to coordinate the activities
of the Governor's Commission on Reduction of Infant
Mortality, we have evolved throughout the years, becoming
a highly recognized advocate for improving the health
and well-being of women and children across the state.
We are proud of the work we do on behalf of North Carolinians
and will continue to educate, advocate, provide and
lead in an effort to positively impact future generations
of Tar Heel children.
Working to make a healthy start:
- The Foundation's work has been instrumental in
a 23% decrease in the state's infant mortality rate
since 1990 (35% since 1988). The current rate of
8.2 deaths per 1,000 live births is an all-time low.
- We coordinate six of the state's most successful
public health education campaigns designed to reduce
infant mortality and promote healthy lifestyles for
the women and children of North Carolina.
- Three of the Foundation's public education campaigns
have received national awards.
- Between 1991 and 2002, we awarded more than $4
million to 269 public and private agencies to support
programs impacting infant mortality.
- Annually, we distribute nearly three million educational
materials, FREE of charge, to community organizations,
healthcare providers, businesses and individuals
across the state.
- Through coordination of the NC Back to Sleep Campaign,
the Foundation has been instrumental in a 26% decrease
in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) rates since
1993.
- More than 29,000 childcare providers have received
state mandated “safe sleep” training
developed by the Foundation in an effort to reduce
the risks of SIDS.
- As a result of the Foundation's promotional efforts
of NC Health Choice, over 120,000 children have been
enrolled in the state's publicly funded health insurance
programs.
- In 2003, the Foundation hosted a statewide Summit
on Low Birthweight and Prematurity, culminating in
the dissemination of a Final Report, concluding that,
while some very creative, innovative and successful
programs exist, infant mortality in North Carolina
remains a major public health concern.
Click here to learn more
about the Foundation and the work we do.
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