(Lexington) -- Governor David M. Beasley announced today that South Carolina last year had its largest percentage decrease in two decades in the infant mortality rate -- a drop from 9.4 infant deaths per 1,000 live births to 8.3 deaths per 1,000 live births.
"What this means is that from 1995 to 1996, 56 babies lived to see their first birthday," the Governor said at a news conference at Lexington Medical Center.
South Carolina's rate is dropping faster than anywhere else in the country, the Governor said. Over the past 10 years, the state's rate has dropped 37 percent, while the national rate has dropped 30.8 percent.
"Once again, South Carolina is on the cutting edge of a national trend," Governor Beasley said. "We have proven that through public-private partnerships, we can make a difference in the most precious of lives -- the lives of our children."
The Governor said the Caring for Tomorrow's Children campaign, which gives coupon books to expectant mothers, has played a major role in improving the health of pregnant mothers and their infants. Since the public-private program began, South Carolina's infant mortality rate has dropped 35 percent.
"The record low rate we have reached shows how the efforts of partnerships for healthy children are paying off," said Commissioner Douglas E. Bryant of the Department of Health and Environmental Control, who joined the Governor at today's news conference. "It takes determination from all segments of the community to make this happen.
Governor Beasley praised the sponsors of the program and its television partners. Partly because of it, "a record 78 percent of new mothers last year started their prenatal care while they were in their first trimester," the Governor said.
The new figures also will help South Carolina's schools, the Governor noted, because healthier children are more ready for learning when they get to school.
The record low in the infant mortality rate follows other major Beasley Administration initiatives to improve health care for children, including the recently announced Partners for Healthy Children campaign targeted at ensuring health coverage for the children of working-class families. Governor Beasley also cited the state's immunization successes, noting that South Carolina's rate is among the best in the nation.
"With every step we take, South Carolina is becoming a healthier place for children to grow," the Governor said.