2008 MS KIDS COUNT Summit:

On January 11th, 2008, the Mississippi KIDS COUNT program, housed in the Social Science Research Center’s Family and Children Research Unit, kicked off its first annual summit, sponsored by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Corporation. In attendance were nearly 200 local leaders from 79 of Mississippi’s 82 counties who represented numerous state and non-profit agencies and organizations. Participants shared 1) their experiences and concerns regarding children’s health and well-being, 2) successful programs from their respective communities, and 3) their data needs for enhancing local efforts on behalf of children. In addition, state and national experts (Drs. J. Edward Hill, Pat Cooper & Michael Lu) conveyed to participants their evidence-based research on health and education topics specific to Mississippi’s children and communities.

Several data resources were released at the summit. Survey results from the first MS KIDS COUNT Statewide Survey were reported, and the 2007 MS KIDS COUNT Data Book was released. The survey measured the attitudes of Mississippians regarding a wide range of topics affecting children’s health in the state, reflecting the social climate of children’s health in Mississippi. The Data Book assembled and put in context the latest information available on markers of child health and well-being in the state. The Data Book is available for viewing or download here, and copies of the Data Book are available for purchase by contacting Ms. Dorris Baggett at dorris.baggett@ssrc.msstate.edu or 662.325.8079, or by using our downloadable order form.


DR. COOPER'S PRESENTATION


DR. LU'S PRESENTATION

 
BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Summit Resources
2008 SUMMIT AGENDA

Download Summaries of the Summit Presentations
DR. PAT COOPER
Coordinated School Health… The Real Reform: Coordinated Strategies for Increasing Academic, Behoavioural and Community Success

Dr. J. EDWARD HILL
Overview of Mississippi's Infant Mortality Rates

DR. MICHAEL C. LU
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Birth Outcomes: A Life-course Perspective

DR. RONALD COSSMAN
Presentation of Statewide MS KIDS COUNT Survey Results