‘An Embarrassing Report Card’
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In response to your editorial “An Embarrassing Report Card” (June 29), it is disheartening to hear that “children’s services have deteriorated through neglect, not malice.” And that “it is easier to get attention for an explosion than for erosion.”
If that is the case, then we as citizens should start raising our voices so that our children can “make the grade.”
The WIC program, started in 1972, provides government funding for women, infants and children at nutritional risk. It is currently able to serve 3.5 million of the 7.5 million eligible with its $2-billion budget. The program provides nutritional supplements, prenatal classes and health care information. For every dollar spent in prenatal care, $3 are saved in hospital costs.
California’s infant mortality rate in 1986 was 8.6 deaths per thousand live births. The United States ranks 19th in IMR of the industrialized countries! Only 42% of California’s eligible population is currently being served.
Erosion occurs slowly, over time, when people are paying no attention.
Our senators and congressmen need to know increased funding for the WIC program can contribute to the healthy foundation of this state and this country.
KIM BERLFEIN REYNOLDS
Los Angeles
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