Twin Cities Healthy Start
Healthy Baby, Healthy Year
215 babies died in the Twin Cities in 2008-2010, for an infant mortality rate of 6.5 deaths per 1,000 live births.
The infant mortality rate in the Twin Cities African American community is 2.8 times higher than in the white community*
The infant mortality rate in the Twin Cities American Indian community is 1.4 times higher than in the white community*
The U.S. ranks 44 among all nations in infant mortality for 2005-2010.1
By providing case management and education to expectant and new mothers, Twin Cities Healthy Start (TCHS) strives to provide a healthy year for all mothers and infants. A healthy first year greatly improves an infant’s chances of having a healthy and prosperous life.
*Data compiled from 2008-2010 birth certificates.
1 United Nations, Department of Economic and Socal Affairs, Population Division (2011). World Populations Prospects: The 2010 Revision. http://esa.un.org/unpd/wpp/excel-data/mortality.htm. Web pages accessed January 12, 2012.
Too many babies die before their first birthday
Infant mortality refers to the death of an infant who is born alive but dies within the first year of life. Supporting infants to reach day 366 is the goal of TCHS.
Twin Cities Healthy Start specifically works to reduce infant mortality among the Minneapolis and St. Paul African American and American Indian communities. These communities have the highest infant mortality rates in the Twin Cities.
Making a difference in the Twin Cities
The Twin Cities Healthy Start program is offered in six community organizations and clinics in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. Find a program site near you
When an expectant or new mother is enrolled in the program, she is given the opportunity to receive the following support:
- Help finding a doctor, applying for insurance and other services.
- Support for the mother, her partner and family members
- Information about pregnancy, nutrition, childbirth and delivery, the baby’s growth, breastfeeding and parenting
- Job readiness skills
- Family planning referrals
- Stress reduction techniques
- Help with domestic violence issues
- Help getting supplies to care for the infant.
More Information
The National Health Start Association
TCHS is part of the NHSA. Learn more about this national program.
Educational Materials
Find information on breastfeeding, child development, dealing with depression and stress, family planning and more!
Text For Baby
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Twin Cities Healthy Start
Minneapolis Department of Health & Family Support
250 South 4th Street, Room 510
Minneapolis, MN 55415
A project of the Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support and the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration, an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
If you need this material in an alternative format please call Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support at (612) 673-2301 or email health.familysupport@minneapolismn.gov. Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons may use a relay service to call 311 agents at (612) 673-3000. TTY users may call (612) 673-2157 or (612) 673-2626.
Attention: If you have any questions regarding this material please call Minneapolis Department of Health and Family Support (612) 673-2301. Hmong - Ceeb toom. Yog koj xav tau kev pab txhais cov xov no rau koj dawb, hu (612) 673-2800; Spanish - Atención. Si desea recibir asistencia gratuita para traducir esta información, llama (612) 673-2700; Somali - Ogow. Haddii aad dooneyso in lagaa kaalmeeyo tarjamadda macluumaadkani oo lacag la’ aan wac (612) 673-3500
Last updated Feb. 3, 2012