They've Known About This For Years - So Why Haven't They Done Anything About It?

A new study released by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Wednesday ranks Tennessee 50th when comparing infant mortality to a mother's education.

They study says Tennessee has the highest rate of uneducated mothers whose babies die before their first birthday.

Metro Health officials said they aren't surprised by Tennessee's last place ranking.

"It's really not a surprise," said Dr. Kimberlee Wyche-Etheridge, Interim Chief Medical Director for the Metro Public Health Department. "We've been following our infant mortality rate for years and have known that we rank very poorly cross the nation."

She said key social factors, like income and education, correspond with children's health

"The more education a person has, the better their health is. In turning that around the least education, the sicker, the more chronic diseases, the lower their life expectancy [is]," she said.
Ignorance Kills Babies