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Advocacy eLetter
G-CAPP Policy and
Advocacy News
2007 Georgia General Assembly Wrap-Up
Governor Perdue rescinded his veto of the 2007 supplemental budget, so a special session is no longer necessary. The decision releases $81 million in stop gap funding for PeachCare, although an enrollment freeze is still in place as the state waits for federal reauthorization of the State Children's Health Insurance Program. The Governor vetoed a one-time property tax cut provision included in the budget, citing a recent decline in state revenues, and ensured that any surplus funds remaining at the end of the year will go into the state's rainy day fund.
For a complete wrap-up of legislation impacting adolescents and public health that G-CAPP monitored during the 2007 session of the Georgia General Assembly, click here.
Teen Pregnancy and Infant Mortality
A recent editorial published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution warns that infant mortality rates may soon be on the rise in Georgia, which already trails behind the national average, ranking 43rd in the nation in this indicator. In recent years, the percentage of Georgia women receiving adequate and early prenatal care has declined and the rate of premature births has increased, especially among African-American mothers, which could lead to increased infant mortality rates in future years. Because pregnant teens are at high risk for not receiving early and adequate prenatal care, the author suggests creating targeted early intervention programs in communities with high teen pregnancy rates, a model which currently exists in some Georgia counties.
Celebrate Women’s Health Week
This week, May 13th through the 19th, is the 8th annual National Women's Health Week, which encourages women to take simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life. For more information, visit www.womenshealth.gov. In recognition of the week, the national organization Healthy Teen Network has unveiled a new set of resources entitled, Helping Teens Stay Healthy and Safe, a series of brochures for health care providers, teens, and parents of teens about the importance of access to confidential contraceptive services for adolescents
G-CAPP Fast Fact
Each day, 58 new teen pregnancies occur in Georgia. That's over 2 teen pregnancies an hour.
Source: Based on data from the Georgia Division of Public Health, Online Analytical Statistical Information System (OASIS).
**To find out how you can participate in the National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy throughout the month of May, click here.**
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