The pilot program hopes to step in as, out of the country's ten most populated cities, Philadelphia has the highest infant mortality rate for children in their first year of life.
A new pilot program, presented by the Philadelphia Community Action Network, hopes to save the lives of infants throughout the city by providing financial support and services to pregnant mothers., when it is launched -- proposed for early 2024 -- the program looks to provide a monthly guaranteed income to about 250 pregnant mothers in specific neighborhoods throughout Philadelphia in an effort to reduce racial disparities in infant mortality.
In announcing funding for the program, the City's Department of Public Health noted that, out of the ten most populated cities in the country, Philadelphia has the highest mortality rate for children in the first year of their life. In fact, according to the health department, Black children in the city are up to four times more likely to die before their first birthday than White children.Sign up for NBC Philadelphia newsletters.
“Infant mortality in Philadelphia is a solvable crisis,” said health dept. commissioner Dr. Cheryl Bettigole in a statement on the program. “We know that being able to better support pregnant people and new parents helps keep babies alive. As the poorest big city in the country, this is not always easy, especially in areas of the city that are being crushed by generational poverty and systemic racism.
In addition to guaranteed income -- though just how much an individual could receive was not detailed in a recent statement -- the health department said program participants"will also be offered voluntary support such as benefits and financial counseling, home visiting, lactation support, and doulas."
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Abington native served Philly pretzels at the OscarsPhilly represented at at the Oscars, thanks to Shappy Pretzel Co., created by a Philly native.
Read more »
Play on Philly: Organization provides Philadelphia children with music educationAndres Gonzalez, the Music Director for Play on Philly, joined 'The 215' to discuss the organization's mission to provide music education to children in Philadelphia. Watch 'The 215' with MikeFOX29 & BrelandFOX29 tomorrow at 6:30p.m. on FOX 29! WATCH:
Read more »
Montco Cemetery Shooting Leaves Philly Man DeadA 29-year-old Philadelphia man was killed in a shooting in a cemetery during a birthday party at a friend's grave on Saturday afternoon.
Read more »
At the Philly Pops: More concerts shelved, musicians file suit for back wagesPops president and CEO Karen Corbin said she still hoped the group could strike a deal with Kimmel management that would allow the group back in Verizon Hall.
Read more »
Dawn Staley reps another Philly hoops legend while coaching South Carolina in the NCAA TournamentStaley, who's also repped other Philly sports heroes like Jalen Hurts, said she was 'truly honored' to wear Yolanda Laney's jersey and represent Cheyney and its legendary coach, C. Vivian Stringer.
Read more »