LANSING -- Too many babies born in Michigan are not getting the “Right Start” in life, a new report concludes, with dramatic disadvantages for children in some areas of the state as well as those born to African American and Hispanic mothers.
The report, released today by the Michigan League for Human Services’ Kids Count in Michigan project, looks at eight maternal and infant health measures. It also provides an overall ranking for 81 of the 83 counties.
"These data are early indicators of how successful our next generation will be -- and in turn how successful our state will be,'' said Kids Count in Michigan Project Director Jane Zehnder-Merrell. "We know we won't have a well-educated and healthy citizenry without giving children the foundation they need.''
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Under a bright, blue sky a giant star stood as a symbol of Genesee County’s support for early childhood investment in Michigan.
In recognition of their outstanding work this year, Jan Shangle, Coordinator for the Ottawa County Great Start Collaborative Coalition, Mary Manner of the Traverse Bay Area Great Start Collaborative and Jamina Tepley of Oakland County Great Start Parent Coalition were awarded the state’s top “Fierce Heart” award for young children by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.
In recognition of their outstanding work, this year the Kent County Great Start Parent Coalition was named the state’s top “Fierce Heart” organization for young children by the Early Childhood Investment Corporation.
Actress and autism-rights activist Holly Robinson Peete stirred and charmed a large crowd at the “Living with Autism Workshop” in Troy with her compelling personal story of raising a child with autism when few knew what to make of the disorder.