Council Update: Council proclaims November Prematurity Awareness Month

Boynton Beach – Last year, the number of babies born too early in Palm Beach County rose slightly, from 9.4 to 9.7 percent. And the rate of premature births (before 37 weeks gestation) increased among most racial and ethnic groups.

Why does this matter? On average, the medical cost to care for a premature baby is nearly $50,000 – 12 times more than that of a healthy baby. Long term, a baby born too early and too small is at risk for life-long health complications that can impact their growth, development, social-emotional health and academic success.

That’s why the Council proclaimed November as Prematurity Awareness Month and continues to support programs and services for expectant families to reduce prematurity in our community.

In other business

Resident Voices: Children’s Services Council’s board held a workshop to discuss how to infuse resident voices in the council’s work. Staff presented a number of reasons why CSC should include resident voices, such as: address blind spots; inform resource allocation decisions; improve outcomes for children and families. Council members supported the idea and shared thoughts on how best to engage families, such as providing incentives and a variety of communication platforms for participation.

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About Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County

The Council is a local, special-purpose government created by Palm Beach County voters in 1986 and reauthorized in 2014. For more than 30 years, it has provided leadership, funding, services and research on behalf of the county’s children so they grow up healthy, safe and strong.

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