By Javar Juarez
(CUBNSC) Columbia, S.C. - On October 3rd, 2024, the South Carolina Association of Community Action Partnerships (SCACAP) held a powerful luncheon at the Embassy Suites in Columbia to address the critical issue of infant and maternal mortality. This event was centered around SCACAP’s nationally recognized Diaper Dash program, an initiative that serves as part of their Head Start program. By engaging families with children from birth to age three, the program fosters school readiness and nurtures positive relationships within families, strengthening communities across the state.
SCACAP’s focus has shifted to leveraging funds from the Office of Community Services (OCS) through their new Diaper Distribution Demonstration and Research pilot (DDDRP). This statewide effort provides families with diapers and connects them to other essential services, offering critical support, even on weekends, through a network of community action agencies and childcare centers.
Addressing a Crucial Need
Jessica McMoore, CEO and Executive Director of SCACAP, highlighted the dire consequences faced by families unable to meet their diaper needs. "When families don’t have funds to buy diapers, sometimes babies go without changes for too long. This impacts the health and well-being of both the child and the family. Diaper Dash is meeting a critical need, bringing immediate relief to parents who struggle with providing for their children," she explained. "Imagine the emotional toll on a mother or father who can’t afford something as basic as a diaper."
A Stark Reality: Disparities in Maternal and Infant Mortality
South Carolina’s maternal and infant mortality rates paint a grim picture, particularly for Black mothers and infants. The state’s maternal mortality rate for Black women stood at 32.7 per 100,000 live births in 2021, compared to 3.5 for white women—a staggering difference. Premature births, birth defects, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), maternal complications, and accidents contribute to these alarming statistics.
Infant mortality among Black infants is particularly high at 10.5 per 1,000 live births, compared to their white counterparts. Several factors contribute to these disparities, including limited access to healthcare, socioeconomic inequalities, and racial bias in medical treatment. In rural areas, lack of maternity care providers and healthcare facilities exacerbates the issue. Chronic conditions like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes also disproportionately affect Black women, further driving poor health outcomes.
A national survey revealed that 67% of Black women feel they face bias in healthcare, a disturbing reality that contributes to the disparities in care and outcomes.
Ongoing Efforts to Improve Outcomes
Despite these challenges, programs like SCACAP’s Diaper Dash and the state’s broader initiatives are working hard to change the narrative. Efforts include the South Carolina Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Review Committee, initiatives focused on safe sleep for infants, and extended Medicaid coverage for postpartum mothers, which now provides services for up to a year after childbirth. Programs like these are making strides, but challenges like geographic barriers, especially in rural counties, remain formidable.
Mental health issues are also a critical factor, with untreated conditions contributing significantly to maternal mortality. Solutions such as expanding access to healthcare, investing in Telehealth services, and offering mobile clinics are essential to closing the gap.
A Call to Action
“We can all be the change,” "We need to get over this love affair with the fetus and start worrying about children." - Dr. Jocelyn Elders, former U.S. Surgeon General.
As McMoore reminded the audience, “The death of a child is the single most significant indicator of the health of a community. When infant mortality is high, it’s not just a medical failure—it’s a reflection of broader social inequities.”
South Carolina’s mortality rate for infants remains above the national average, with over 600 infant deaths reported in 2021. To address these grim statistics, the state must continue its investment in healthcare accessibility, education, and targeted efforts to combat disparities.
Support from Federal and State Partners
SCACAP’s impact is not going unnoticed. South Carolina is one of the six states to receive statewide diaper program services, and their work has gained national attention. Notably, the Chief of Staff for the Administration of Children and Families in Washington personally visited South Carolina, marking the first time such an official has come to oversee these efforts.
With over 8,000 families served through SCACAP’s Diaper Dash program, the organization is making strides to support Black mothers, strengthen families, and raise awareness of the economic disparities surrounding basic needs like diapers.
In a state where women are forced to give birth due to restrictive laws, programs like Diaper Dash are essential. The financial strain of buying diapers and other essential products is often overlooked. SCACAP’s efforts to ensure that these vital needs are met provide a critical lifeline for families across South Carolina.
As McMoore reminded the audience, “We can all be a building block in our communities. These statistics don’t have to stay the same. Together, we can change the future for mothers and their children.”
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