CATALYST
Results Matter: Preventing infant mortality in Georgia
S
tatistics for maternal and infant health in Georgia
continue to be grim. In rural areas of the state,
with hospitals closing and a decreasing number of
obstetricians,
maternal
healthcare
is
disappearing. Recent studies from the Georgia Department
of Public Health show that Georgia now leads the nation in
maternal deaths with 50 percent of pregnancy-related
deaths in the state determined to be preventable.
In 2013, Healthcare Georgia Foundation launched the
Taking Care of You (TCOY) infant mortality initiative, a
multi-year funding effort to reduce preterm births, low-
birth weight and sleep-related death among high-risk
The Foundation awarded a total of $2.5 million dollars in Foundation funding over three years
for TCOY. The three grantees included: Clayton County Board of Health: Every Woman, Every
Time Program; Lowndes County Board of Health: Baby LUV (Lowndes Unique Victories)
Program; and the Southwest Public Health District: Centering Pregnancy Model of Care Program.
In addition, the Foundation awarded Porter Novelli funding support for a social marketing and
outreach and education for the Taking Care of You initiative. Emory University School of
Medicine was awarded funding to conduct a cross-site evaluation of the initiative and provide
technical assistance to the grantees. In November 2018, Healthcare Georgia Foundation will
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HEALTHCARE GEORGIA FOUNDATION