For Immediate Release
Contact: Dena Iverson
Fenty Administration Launches "I Am a Healthy DC Mom" Campaign
2007 Infant Mortality Report Released
WASHINGTON DC – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Dr. Pierre Vigilance, Director of the DC Department of Health (DOH), launched a new public information campaign today titled "I am a Healthy DC Mom." The campaign will increase awareness about infant mortality and promote healthy pregnancies in the District of Columbia. The public awareness campaign is part of the Infant Mortality Action Plan launched by Fenty in December 2007 to decrease the infant mortality rate.
"Healthy moms are more likely to have and keep healthy babies," said Fenty. "This new public awareness campaign will help moms in the District make the choices that will give their babies the strength they need to grow and thrive."
Many of the factors that can contribute to infant mortality are preventable such as premature births, low infant birth weight, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Mothers who are aware of the best ways to take care of themselves and their child during and after pregnancy will be better equipped to make the best choices for their child’s health. "I am a Healthy DC Mom" emphasizes what mothers can do to prevent infant mortality by asking them to commit to forty weeks of prenatal care, staying fit and eating right, and keeping their baby safe and healthy.
"The campaign will emphasize the importance of early and continuous prenatal care," said Dr. Pierre Vigilance, Director of the DC Department of Health, "We want women to commit to 40 weeks of continuous prenatal care, to stay fit, to eat right, and to keep their babies safe and healthy."
The campaign includes resource materials for health providers and mothers including a pregnancy assistance toolkit to guide them through their pregnancy and first year as a mother, transit posters, and public service announcements for radio, web and print media outlets.
The Administration also released the report on the 2007 infant mortality rate for the District of Columbia. The infant mortality rate is measured by the number of deaths of children under the age of one year per 1,000 live births. The report reflects the last year in the District before the Infant Mortality Action Plan was implemented. In 2007, the infant mortality rate for the District was 13.1 compared to a national average of 6.5. The infant mortality rate decreased in wards 2, 3, 5, 6 and 8, but increased in wards 1, 4 and 7. The complete report can be found at doh.dc.gov.
Since announcing the Infant Mortality Action Plan the District has made great progress in delivering important services to expectant and new mothers. The number of women served by Healthy Start Project has increased 260% from 230 mothers in March 2008 to 603 mothers in March 2009. DOH has also greatly increased the number of home visits from 187 visits in March of 2008 to 741 in March of 2009.