A Local Group Tackles High Infant Mortality Rate

ATLANTIC CITY - Oct 18, 2012 5:49 PM EDT by Staff Writer

Each picture tells a harrowing story. A baby born into poverty, addiction and abuse. Trying to survive, trying not to become one of the 650 infants who die each year in New Jersey before their 3rd birthday. 

"Hearing about the statistics and knowing it we just wanted to bring attention to the community and see how we can bring as coming together as one and make an impact on this community," said Minister Robbin Bell, President of A HEART.

Minister Robbin Bell formed a non-profit organization called A HEART, which stands for All Hearts Educating Advocating and Restoring and Transforming. And today marks their first anniversary. The group held a candlelight vigil at the Soldier's Home in Atlantic City, and the community showed up to show their support.

"I was really (gasp) affected by the heart. I've lost two kids. I'm blessed for the two that I have. And I also had the opportunity to get information and to pass it on."

According to A-HEART majority of infants under two have higher incidents of abuse. And every day in New Jersey 1,153 babies are born to teen mothers. 

Although the statistics are alarming, Minister Bell says the solution is not that difficult.

"We can be able to provide diapers and go to the Dollar Store and pick up items that show an act of love and kindness and give young people hope that someone cares for them," said Bell.

The Kaiser Family Foundation reports Infant mortality rates in minority communities are disproportionately higher than those in white communities. A HEART is funded through donations and everyone here is a volunteer. If a person receives help from the program they are encouraged to pay it forward. 

"If they receive infant clothes then what we ask of them is for them to take good care of it and bless someone else. So it keeps it going and then they feel empowered that they're not just receiving but they are taught how to give," said Bell.

Although there are programs available for expectant mothers who need assistance. Atlantic City Councilman Mo Delgado says A HEART is vital to the community. 

Right now it's essential. Because there's too many times where resources aren't readily available for children. We have fabulous programs like WIC and things like this...but they fill that gap," said Delgado.

A HEART fills the gap so New Jersey babies survive childhood and live normal lives.

Posted on NBC40.net - Click to read original article