Another Study Ranks Mississippi Last

Mississippi tops another worst of the worst list when it comes to the health and well-being of children in our state. According to the annual Kids Count report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Mississippi was at the bottom in seven out of ten categories. We had the highest percentage of low birth-weight babies and babies born to teens. We also had the highest rate of infant mortality and child deaths; the highest in children living in families where no parent had a full-time, year-round job; children living in single-parent families; and the highest rate of children living in poverty.

"I thought it was bad but now I see it's good," says a Boys and Girls Club participant.

Fifteen-year-old Malayka Williams is optimistic that the program will help more kids.

"A couple of my friends are pregnant. They could be here with other people having fun," tells Williams.

The clubs' president feels that inner-city children need activities that are not only fun but constructive.

"Everyone needs a hand-up not a hand-out. So, let's give them a hand-up. Let's teach these kids to do the right things to do," expresses Billy Redd.

Redd knows it won't happen overnight, but he's dedicated to giving young people a better future.

"It's not like there's other options in these neighborhoods. It's the Boys and Girl's Club, home alone or on the street. One out of three of those are good. Let's give them that opportunity," lists Redd.

The program manager for Health Help for Kids, which is an part of the Mississippi Health Advocacy Program, believes healthcare is the first step to getting communities across the state on the right track.

"Everyone knows a child cannot learn in school if they're out sick. There are 100-thousand children in Mississippi without healthcare insurance. Three-forth of those would benefit or are eligible for either the S-CHIP program or Medicaid,” explains Keri Abernathy.

And, she says there are plenty of programs available to young people that they and their families may not be aware of.

"A lot of people have lost benefits and their jobs, and children are suffering for that as well. Our program is trying to bridge that gap and be an advocate for children to help them tap into those resources that they're eligible for," adds Abernathy.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation used information from 2007 and 2008.