WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, First Focus joined the National Healthy Start Association in hosting an important Capitol Hill briefing highlighting the epidemic of infant mortality in America. Pending legislation to reauthorize the Healthy Start program, which combats this critical problem, was also discussed. The briefing took place in the U.S. Capitol.
Speakers included:
- Bruce Lesley, President, First Focus
- Peggy Sanchez Mills, CEO, National Healthy Start Association
- Rashida Moore of Harlem spoke about her personal experience with Healthy Start
- Roberta Downing, Office of Senator Sherrod Brown
- Jennifer Alton, Office of Senator Richard Burr
Infant mortality is a significant cause of death in the United States. Shockingly, the United States ranks 32nd out of 33 industrialized nations in the rate of infant deaths. Discussed at this briefing will be community-based efforts that are successfully reducing infant mortality rates as well as legislation pending in the House and Senate to renew the Healthy Start program. In addition, Rashida Moore will talk about her personal experience with the Healthy Start program.
Healthy Start is a highly successful federal initiative designed to fight infant mortality and ensure that all babies in this country have a chance to live healthy and productive lives.