Apr. 14--GUILFORD COUNTY -- Health officials are celebrating the success of their first Best Birth Outcomes Training Academy for minority pregnant women.
The academy, held from October to March, provided intensive training for woman preparing to give birth. Fiftyeight mothers between the ages of 14 and 33 participated in the four sessions. Classes will resume in the fall.
Academy teachers will visit the mothers at home to see if they are applying what they learned. Childbirth and breast-feeding classes are generally the only classes offered during pregnancy. The academy offers more information and assistance when expectant moms are more receptive. "This academy is a fine example of the programs and services we are offering in an effort to reduce racial health disparities, and in this case, the reduction of infant mortality," said Health Merle Green.
The state's minority infant mortality rate dropped to an all-time low of 13.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2006 butstill remained higher than the white infant mortality rate of six deaths per 1,000.
The academy was the idea of Deborah Caesar, community health advocate with Triad Baby Love Plus. The program, funded through the state Office of Minority Health and a health disparities grant, will continue through June 2010.
dnivens@hpe.com|888-3626
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