RHONDA MANN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR · Founded in 1992, VOICES for Alabama’s Children is the leading child advocacy group in Alabama. Our Mission is to ensure the we\൬l-being of Alabama’s

THE STATE OF THE CHILD IN ALABAMA

RHONDA MANN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR

The State of the Child

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The State of the Child

In Alabama, the total population grew by 300,000 while the child population decreased by 32,000.

In 2016, Alabama’s infant mortality rate of 9.1 per 1,000 was significantly higher than the national average of

5.6 per 1,000.

Facts about Obesity

617,000 Hospital admissions in 2016/2017 – U.S.

26% / 36.3% Adult Obesity Rate in U.S. / Alabama

1 in 5 6 – 19 year olds that has obesity – U.S.

35.5% 10-17 year olds that has obesity (6th) in Alabama

16.3% 2-4 year olds that has obesity (10th) in Alabama

3rd National ranking of Adult Diabetes in Alabama

2nd National ranking of Adult Hypertension in Alabama

16,909 Diet-related deaths in Alabama (2016)

During the 2016-2017 school year, there was a 25 to 28 percentage point difference in the state average

educational outcomes between students living in poverty and students living above poverty.

The State of the Child

Aspire - Student Proficiency Test Scores

Low

High

4th Grade Reading 6.6% 52.8%

4th Grade Math 13.7% 68.1%

8th Grade Reading 14.4% 61.5%

8th Grade Math 2.3% 53.3%

Alabama is one of 7 states that allow broad-based exemptions from licensure and inspection for

child care programs.

In 2015, the federal poverty level for a family of four was $24,250. Nearly 300,000 children, or 26.5%

of the child population, live in poverty.

ADDRESSING OBESITY IN ALABAMA

Healthy Food Financing Initiative

Obesity Prevention in an Early Care setting

Two Generation Approach

Public Awareness Campaigns Rethink Your Drink – Get Moving Alabama

www.alavoices.org

Rhonda Mann, Deputy Director

[email protected] 334-213-2410 Ext. 103

The State of the Child

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