Arizona ranks in the middle of the pack in infant mortality.  We’re doing many things right to improve the health of our babies-  but we have a way to go. Last fall we participated in a learning collaborative sponsored by the National Governors Association.  About 160 folks met to begin the process developing a statewide plan.  They included physicians, public health, nutrition, behavioral health, city planners, business leaders and many more. 

After looking at the data on the health of Arizona’s women and children and reviewing some best practices from around the state, participants broke into groups to talk about the issues and to develop strategies to address these issues. These strategies will be the foundation for the statewide plan to improve birth outcomes.  

Our next step is to form workgroups to develop action plans for the different strategies identified. You can look at the presentations from the day and learn more about our efforts by going to the Healthy Babies web page. Many people have volunteered to be a part of these workgroups and have signed commitment forms.  It’s important to know that this is not an ADHS plan but Arizona’s plan.