As part of the observance of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, Governor Phil Bredesen, the Governor’s Office of Children’s Care Coordination, the City of Memphis and Shelby County will join together Monday, Sept. 13, in Memphis to spotlight continued efforts to improve infant mortality rates in Tennessee.

The event is one of many planned across the state during the month of September to remind Tennesseans of the importance of preconception and prenatal care in reducing the number of infant deaths in Tennessee.

“The Governor’s Office of Children’s Care Coordination, local officials and partnering organizations are putting in place the best and most successful programs from across the country to give babies the very best chance of reaching their first birthday,” said Gov. Bredesen.

“While we’ve seen the number of infant deaths decline, we must continue to do everything we can to improve the health outcomes for this vulnerable population.”

“We’ve taken significant steps since 2006 to give every child born in Tennessee a better chance of reaching his or her first birthday, and we’re seeing positive results,” said Dr. Michael D. Warren, who serves as medical director for the governor’s office of Children’s Care Coordination.

“We will continue to work with communities to help them build a foundation for programs that provide critical services, education and research to combat infant mortality in Tennessee.”

The Infant Mortality Staying the Course Summit on Sept. 13, will recognize the work and accomplishments of original infant mortality summit pioneers and individuals involved in grassroots efforts. The program will include personal stories of program partners and participants.

Governor Bredesen, Memphis Mayor AC Wharton and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell will speak at the event.

Infant mortality is defined as the death of a child before his or her first birthday. Although the rate of infant deaths is declining in Tennessee, statistics show the need for continued efforts to improve birth outcomes. In 2010, Tennessee was ranked 44th in the nation for its infant mortality rate, which represents an improvement from a rank of 47th in 2009.

Following the first infant mortality summit held in April of 2006, Gov. Bredesen launched a statewide initiative to combat Tennessee’s crisis of infant mortality. To date, $8.7 million has been spent to improve women’s health and reduce infant mortality in Tennessee, spanning programs in health education, home visiting and clinical care for mothers and babies.

The Office of Children’s Care Coordination provides funding and works with local community programs to help determine the solutions best suited to address the issues unique to individual communities. Many of these programs across the state will be holding special events during Infant Mortality Awareness Month to highlight the infant mortality reduction initiatives in their communities.

A list of events by county is as follows:
Campbell County
Sept. 9 – Mayor’s Proclamation Event
10 a.m. EDT
Indian Mountain Clinic – 550 Sunset Trail – Jellico
Contact: Tiffeney R. Schaad, Care Manager
423 784-5771, ext. 138

Davidson County
Sept. 25 – First Birthday Party
1–5 p.m. CDT
Hadley Park
Contact: Dr. Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge, Metro Nashville Department of Health
615 340-5614

Hamilton County
Sept. 1 - New Moms Support Group
4–5:30 p.m.
La Paz – 1402 Bailey Avenue – Chattanooga
Contact: Stacey Johnson, La Paz Chattanooga
423 624-8414

Sept. 2 - Happy Birthday BLUES Baby Party
10:30–11:30 a.m. EDT
Erlanger Hospital – POB Dining Room
Contact: Rhonda Tapp
423 535-7048
Rhonda.tapp@bcbst.com

Sept. 13 – In the Womb Prenatal Care
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT
La Paz – 1402 Bailey Avenue – Chattanooga
Contact: Stacey Johnson, La Paz Chattanooga
423 624-8414

Sept. 15 - New Moms Support Group
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. EDT
La Paz – 1402 Bailey Avenue – Chattanooga
Contact: Stacey Johnson, La Paz Chattanooga
423 624-8414

Sept. 27 – Car Seat Safety
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EDT
La Paz – 1402 Bailey Avenue – Chattanooga
Contact: Stacey Johnson, La Paz Chattanooga
423 624-8414

Sept. 29 - New Moms Support Group
4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. EDT
La Paz – 1402 Bailey Avenue – Chattanooga
Contact: Stacey Johnson, La Paz Chattanooga
423 624-8414

National Infant Mortality Awareness Month is sponsored by the National Healthy Start Association.