Students from the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences Middle and High School take to the streets promoting their infant mortality initiative, Project 38108. (Photos by Shirley Jackson)

“Project 38108” – the Infant Mortality Walk sponsored by the Memphis Academy of Health Sciences (MAHS) – unfurled in Audubon Park amid a beautiful shining Saturday (Nov. 14).

Stefon Hunter was amazed at the appearance of an alcohol-addicted infant. Jeffery Winston looks at material he’s collected.

The North Memphis zip code is home to an infant mortality that is one of the highest in the nation, exceeding rates in some third world countries.The walk was designed to make a statement in the community and bring more awareness to the tragedy of infant mortality.

 “It starts here with our children at our school, where students are active in doing their research and making presentations on the subject. It means a lot to hear the students speak intelligently about infant mortality,” said MAHS Executive Director Curtis Weathers.

 “It gives us a clear indication that they understand what it is all about. Our goal is to educater and influence their decision making process about this tragedy with hopes of breaking the cycle. Our motto is ‘Changing Lives, One Mind at a Time.’ That’s us, that is what we are all about.”

MAHS, a charter school, is located at 3925 Chelsea Avenue Extended, squarely in zip code 38108.

The day was filled with information, vendors, fun and excitement. Activities included a play written by Dr. Marie Milam and performed by the students, and a health fair sponsored by the Volunteer State Health Plan (VSHP).  Brad Blair of VSHP, and Healthy Life Choice University, helped to sponsor the health fair initiative.

 “I have been impressed with the school and students for many years. They are making a difference in this community,” said Blair.

MAHS students attended a summer session at the university. The weeklong session included field trips, team building/leadership activities and daily class sessions about health care.

On Saturday, a caravan of six shuttle buses carrying students and a convoy of cars filled with parents and teachers began at the school and maneuvered to Audubon Park. Blair led the walk through the park, with students holding banners and signs of the MAHS logo and “Project 38108”. Onlookers in the park wanted to know about the walk, with some joining the estimated 450 walkers to support the Infant Mortality initiative.

After the walk, students returned to the pavilion to a grilled lunch prepared by parents and teachers. They sat on brown, yellow and orange leaves and enjoyed the mild weather as the entertainment began.

The jazz band played, the choir sang, steppers stepped. Praise dancers and a drum line and majorettes performed. The crowd sang along, swayed to the music and clapped. The day ended with MAHS Middle School Principal Tonya Biles extending thanks to all who participated.