State Contest Honorable Mention: U.S. Virgin Islands
In 2008, 1,784 babies were born in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Unfortunately, 14.2% of these births were pre-term, 9.2% of babies were born at a low birth weight, and 11.5 babies per 1,000 died before their first birthday. These statistics highlight the need for innovative strategies at the national and territory level to address maternal and child health, including the provision of accurate and timely health information.
2011 State Enrollment Contest
The goal of the text4baby State Enrollment Contest was to reach users through healthy competition among the states and engagement of the over 675 text4baby Outreach Partners. The top three states that enrolled the most users in text4baby (as a percentage of possible new enrollees) between May 10 and October 20, 2011 were announced on November 1 at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting in Washington, DC. The states were ranked based on how many new users enrolled in text4baby in each state during the contest period as a percentage of eligible moms (based on a calculation of estimated new pregnancies and live births for each state).
Enrollment Numbers
During the contest period, a total of 72 new users enrolled in the text4baby service in the U.S. Virgin Islands. With a 27% increase, total users went from 194 to 266 during the contest period. The U.S. Virgin Islands is being recognized with an Honorable Mention for their significant efforts to promote text4baby in the U.S Territories.
Promotional Activities during Contest Period
In February, 2011, the Governor’s Children and Families Council and Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) joined efforts to launch text4baby. A press conference was hosted by the First Lady of the Virgin Islands, Cecile deJongh, in honor of this partnership. The idea to join the national effort originated in the Early Childhood Advisory Committee of the Council as part of their mission to ensure that young children enter school safe, healthy and ready to succeed. CFVI obtained a grant and purchased text4baby posters in English and Spanish, as well as tear-off pads, which were distributed throughout the territory to doctors’ offices; health clinics; medical labs; pharmacies; Head Start and child care centers; WIC, SNAP, and TANF offices; high school nurses’ offices, public housing communities, and not-for-profit agencies working with children and families. CFVI and its partners also set up displays at community events for families with young children. The program has been well received by the community and the CVF plans to increase its outreach efforts, and strive to reach a majority of moms and new moms in the Virgin Islands.
Text4baby State Partners:
• Community Foundation of the U.S. Virgin Islands
• Office of the Governor, Children and Families Council
For more information, please contact:
Ellie Hirsch
Community Foundation of the U.S. Virgin Islands
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
(340) 777-0990