County Mayor A C Wharton Jr. visits Blacks Exclusive Cuts in Frayser to share information about the contributing factors of infant mortality and encourage involvement in efforts to reduce the alarming rates in the Memphis community. (Courtesy photos)

In 2005, Congressman Michael C. Burgess, 26th District of Texas, introduced a Resolution directing Congress to observe September as National Infant Mortality Awareness Month and the U.S. House of Representatives passed the resolution in September 2006. In 2009, September continues to be nationally recognized as the month efforts are placed on saving the lives of babies in this country.

September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month and Wharton makes that announcement as members of the Blues Project – a clinic and home-based social intervention program for at-risk mothers and their babies – look on.

All Babies Count – the Shelby County Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative – is in full swing with a host of activities designed to motivate community participation in the fight against infant mortality.

The effort is expected to pick up steam Friday with a Happy Birthday BLUES Party for The Blues Project – a clinic and home-based social intervention program for at-risk mothers and their babies.

Hundreds of one-year old babies will celebrate their first birthday together during a carnival-style birthday party. All of their mothers are participants in the Blues Project, which seeks to prevent infant deaths and low birth weights in the Shelby Count region. The Blues project is administered by the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and funded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee.

The birthday event will celebrate the Blues Project’s success in delivering nearly 800 healthy babies.

Since 2005, the Blues Project has provided numerous pregnant women with quality prenatal care, social support and access to important information and resources that assist them with completing their educations, securing jobs, acquiring transportation and housing, and enrolling in parenting classes. The babies are followed until their third birthday to increase a mother’s chance for economic independence and parental success.

County Mayor A C Wharton proclaimed September as Infant Mortality Awareness Month in Shelby County during a press event at Frayser Park last Friday. He was joined in the announcement by U. S. Congressman Steve Cohen, along with local health professionals, community activists and faith-based leaders.

Immediately after the announcement, Wharton and event attendees conducted a grassroots community canvass, visiting local businesses to educate people on the contributing factors of infant mortality and encourage involvement in efforts to reduce the alarming rates in the Memphis community.

On September 9, Wharton spoke to members of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. about strategic efforts to combat infant mortality in Shelby County. His appearance was in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services national launch of Infant Mortality Awareness Month. The event featured the screening of a new 30-minute documentary filmed in Memphis and Atlanta focusing on community efforts to address the widespread problem.

In 2007 (most recent data available), the overall infant mortality rate in Shelby County dropped to 12.7 per 1,000 live births, down from 13.8 in 2006. Research indicates that the rate of infant deaths for African-Americans is 17.8 over three times that of whites.

“While we dare not rest on our laurels or the progress we have made, I would not be candid if I didn’t express pride in our team and the aggressive measures and collaborative efforts we continue to advance,” said Wharton. “We’ve made significant steps, but we are not satisfied and we won’t be until every parent can see their child make it to their first birthday.”