Celebration Marks 7th Anniversary of State’s Prenatal Care Program
Surrounded by a group of 7-year-old children, Gayle Wilson, wife of Gov. Pete Wilson, marked the seventh anniversary Tuesday of a statewide prenatal care campaign at the Venice Family Clinic.
The BabyCal program, which was created in 1991 to combat low birth weight and infant mortality, has been credited with lowering the state’s infant mortality rate by 20%--the lowest among the nation’s 10 largest states, said state Health Director Kim Belshe.
Low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds) is associated with lack of prenatal care, smoking, drinking and using drugs during pregnancy. It is the primary cause of infant mortality.
Officials take pains to aim their advice to African Americans, noting that the infant mortality rate among black children is twice that of the total population.
Funded with $3 million from the state’s general fund and $3 million in federal funds, BabyCal uses TV commercials and materials dispensed at 500 community organizations to urge pregnant mothers to seek prenatal care.
The program’s toll-free information line is (800) BABY-999.
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