Report: Alabama Children Improve on Health, Family Measures
Alabama improved on several measures of child health and well-being in the 2018 KIDS COUNT Data Book, an annual report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, though the state lags compared to the rest of the nation. The study examined 16 indicators in four categories: economic well-being, education, health, and family and community. Alabama saw improvement in 11 of those indicators.
Alabama came in 42nd nationally in overall child well-being in the report released Tuesday. That’s the highest ranking ever for Alabama, with one important caveat: researchers say because of changes in the survey, this year’s ranking can’t be compared to previous ones.
Alabama led the nation in one indicator: low rates of teen alcohol and drug abuse. The survey found just 4 percent of Alabama teens (12- to 17-year-olds) abused alcohol and drugs in the last year. Alabama came in second nationally with only 2 percent of children without access to health insurance.
While Alabama improved in many areas, it still ranks higher than the national average on some indicators. A quarter of children in Alabama live in poverty compared to the national average of 19 percent. Alabama also saw 38 child and teen deaths per 100,000 compared to 26 nationally.
“Alabama has made great strides over the last few years, however, we still have a great deal of work to do,” says Rhonda Mann, interim executive director of VOICES for Alabama’s Children, which is part of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT network. “If we are not implementing new policies for systemic change that will move the needle, then child well-being isn’t improving regardless of the state’s ranking.”
Click to see Alabama’s 2018 KIDS COUNT profile or read the entire report.
4 essential conversations every interracial couple should have
For a strong and lasting relationship, don't be afraid to talk about each other's racial differences — and do enjoy the process of creating a new, blended family culture.
Opinion: ‘Free speech doesn’t work just when you agree with it’
NPR's Scott Simon recalls a First Amendment case from the late 1970s involving the rights of a neo-Nazi group to march through a predominantly Jewish suburb of Chicago.
‘Rocky Horror’ is 50! We propose a toast. (You know what to do)
Rocky Horror aficionados used to attend screenings of the film over and over to take notes on the details. Accurately mirroring every line and dance move has gotten easier over time.
NPR-Ipsos poll: Americans don’t broadly support Trump’s National Guard deployments
Americans are concerned about crime, but don't broadly support President Trump's deployment of the National Guard to U.S. cities, according to a new NPR-IPSOS poll.
How a Toledo tattoo artist helps turn scars into art
Brian Finn is a tattoo artist in Toledo, Ohio who has been offering free and discounted tattoos for people covering trauma scars for more than 10 years.
How the beloved state fair grew from livestock showcases to cornucopias of amusement
The state fair dates back to the 1800s, and its agricultural roots go back even further. Ever since, states have been putting their own spin on the annual event while staying true to tradition.
