While the rate of teen pregnancy in Greater High Point decreased between 2010 and 2020, the rates of pre-term births, low birth-weight babies, and infant mortality increased slightly and remained above the state average, according to a study released by the Foundation for a Healthy High Point.
The study, “Healthy Beginnings in Greater High Point,” was done by epidemiologist Mark H. Smith, PhD, as part of the foundation’s Healthy Beginnings strategic initiative. The initiative, which has resulted in $3 million in funding to 12 local organizations, is focused on reducing unintended pregnancies and supporting healthy pregnancies and early child development. According to the results of Dr. Smith’s study, which used data from the North Carolina State Center for Health Statistics, more work remains to address maternal and child health disparities in Greater High Point, North Carolina.
Trends were analyzed for the Greater High Point area. The study also summarizes and provides comparison data for all of Guilford County and North Carolina and trends between 2010 and 2020 for teen pregnancy rates, pre-term births, low birthweight, and infant mortality.
Among the findings:
- Teen pregnancy rates in Greater High Point, Guilford County, and North Carolina declined significantly between 2010 and 2020. In Greater High Point, the numbers dropped from 38.1 per 1,000 births to 23.4. However, the 27260 zip code continues to have a significantly higher rate (64.9 per 1,000) than the Greater High Point and Greensboro, North Carolina zip codes combined.
- There was no improvement in the rate of pre-term births (prior to 37 weeks of gestation) between 2010 and 2020 in the state, county, or Greater High Point. Racial disparities continue, with pre-term birth rates significantly higher among African American mothers than among white and Hispanic mothers.
- Babies born at less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces are considered low birthweight and more likely to experience health and developmental issues. The percentage of low birthweight babies increased in the state and county, but Greater High Point saw the most significant increase, from 9.6 percent to 10.8 percent. African American mothers were more likely to have low birthweight babies than white or Hispanic mothers.
- The infant mortality rate is considered a key measure of overall community health and socio-economic development. Rates statewide and locally remain higher than that of the United States, with seven deaths per 1,000 births in North Carolina, 8.7 in Guilford County, and nine in Greater High Point, North Carolina.
Earlier this year, the foundation committed $196,218 over two years to the High Point Regional Health Foundation for a program that will include hiring a maternal navigator based at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist High Point Medical Center. The navigator will guide expectant and new mothers to the best care possible by connecting them to services within the hospital and community-based services in High Point, North Carolina.
Other investments in the Healthy Beginnings initiative include Family Connects Guilford and the JustTEENS Wellness Clinic (run by the Guilford County Health Department), Nurse-Family Partnership (run by Guilford Child Development), Partnering for Healthy Parenting and Wise Guys (run by the Children’s Home Society), Parents As Teachers (run by YWCA High Point), and Ready for School, Ready for Life.
Contact: Curtis Holloman at 336.822.7744 or cholloman@healthyhighpoint.org.