momScore

Emily and I are long time fans of the amazing and inspirational, Dr. Val Jones, Senior Medical Director of Revolution Health.

In everything she does, Val is dedicated to helping people be healthier, happier and making life a little better for everyone. She has a huge heart to match her considerable intellect and we are honored to know her and call her our friend.

Today is a perfect example of why we support Val and Revolution Health one hundred percent.

In their most recent "making the world a better place" move, Val and the wonderful, smart, committed people at Revolution Health have just now introduced an amazing tool for moms: momScore.

momScore evaluates and rates maternal and early childhood health in each state. You are psyched if you live in Vermont (#1), Connecticut or Minnesota (#2 and # 3) and not so happy about being a mom in Mississippi, South Carolina or Louisiana (bottom three). Pennsylvania is 22nd. Not too good, PA.

The deteriorating maternal health statistics in this country are profoundly disturbing and unacceptable. Way to go Revolution Health for shining a light on the states and helping to set the stage for making big differences in the lives of moms and kids across the country.

Here's a little bit from Revolution Health on why they created momScore:

For a nation that prides itself on quality of life, the U.S. has taken a statistical tumble in terms of maternal health. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, the rate in which women are dying during or shortly after pregnancy is on the rise. Our rate of maternal mortality currently ranks 41st in the world -- behind Ireland, Spain, Bosnia and many other nations.

Meanwhile, out of the 28 goals listed in "Healthy People 2010"-- the Department of Health and Human Services' list of major health priorities -- maternal, infant and child health goals are falling short. Researchers believe that our rising maternal mortality rate is due to increasing levels of high blood pressure, obesity and diabetes. In addition, growing racial and economic gaps could contribute to existing prenatal care inequalities.

And here are some details from today's Revolution Health press release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 7, 2008 – Revolution Health today announced momScore, a first-of-its-kind health index that provides nationwide state rankings for maternal health – the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. The health index, including state-specific metrics, may be viewed by going to www.RevolutionHealth.com/momscore/.

Vermont, scoring 94.5 points out of a possible 100 points, led the nation, followed by Connecticut (90), Minnesota (88.5), Rhode Island (88), Massachusetts (87.4), New Hampshire (86.6), Maine (84.5), Hawaii (83.5), Wisconsin (82.7) and Iowa (81.2).

“We believe it is critical that consumers have the information and tools they need to make smart health decisions for themselves and their families. With momScore, our team has collected information about the critical factors that influence maternal health in every state, displayed this information in one place and provided easy-to-understand, comprehensive rankings,” said Val Jones, M.D, senior medical director at Revolution Health. “momScore demonstrates how clear information can promote awareness of important maternal health issues. I hope that this health index will also encourage states to compete with one another for higher momScores by improving the quality of care and access to health services for moms and babies.”

Go check out your state's momScore and let us know how your area stacks up!

Comments

[Miss Information]

Cooper & Emily,
Thanks for the shout-out! We love you, too.
Heather Frank

[michelle]

I'm in great need of 12 months boy and 3t girl clothes and shoes

[Ayesha Lakhani]

Mom-score.., is really a gr8 tool to for each one of us to know..where or state stand stands in the que to reach the Millennium Goals.

It will give a momentum for the states to pick up steps in that direction..