Media Notice

Rhode Island Department of Health Releases Maternal Health Data

Event: The Rhode Island Department of Health will release key maternal and child health data from the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) at the Rhode Island Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition Annual Breakfast. Other highlights of the event include:

•  Recognition of PRAMS business partners (CVS/pharmacy, Shaw's, Walmart)

•  Presentation of the Silver Rattle Award to Patricia Nolan, MD, MPH Former Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health

•  Discussion of "Medicine in the marketplace: economics and health care" by Barbara Bridgman Perkins, PhD

When: Friday, May 6, 2005

Where: Radisson Airport Hotel, 2081 Post Road, Warwick, RI

Time: 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Contact: Sam Viner-Brown, Chief, Family Health Data (401) 222-5935/(508) 733-0640

•  The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a population-based survey funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Its goal is to improve the health of mothers and infants by reducing poor pregnancy outcomes, such as low birth weight, infant mortality and morbidity, and maternal morbidity.

•  The confidential survey identifies and monitors select maternal behaviors and experiences before, during, and after pregnancy. The answers from the women who return the survey are used to improve the health of all pregnant women and their babies by impacting policy at the state and community levels.

•  Survey data from 2002-2003 on breastfeeding, tobacco use, unintended pregnancy, and perinatal mental health among women in Rhode Island will be presented.

•  Women who have an unintended pregnancy are less likely to seek prenatal care, take a multivitamin, and/or breastfeed. They are also more likely to smoke. Overall, 35.9% of births among Rhode Island women during 2002-2003 resulted from pregnancies that were unintended.

•  Women who have a difficult time during pregnancy are more likely to have poor birth outcomes, such as low birth weight or prematurity. Overall, 20.1% of women reported through PRAMS that they had a hard time during pregnancy.

Full media packets including the data will be available at the event.