For my Integrative Social Problem Project I decided to take a look at the infant mortality rates in Franklin County, Ohio. For this project, I researched the rates and information surrounding infant deaths in Franklin County and around Columbus, Ohio and looked at the causes and factors that influence infant mortality. After I had a solid base of information I wanted to see what was being done to fight infant death and the resources that are available to young mothers. I created a PowerPoint that gave a general overview of the infant mortality rates in Columbus and the resources that could help lower infant deaths. If I had the resources available to me, I would show this PowerPoint to expecting mothers in the different areas around Franklin County, especially low-income and diverse locations.
I believe that it is important to look at the different social groups and the diverse population of Franklin County and understand that each group has to overcome different obstacles that make things like caring for a child and providing a safe environment difficult. I did not realize the depth of these issues until I started researching the topic and looking into the statistics of racial differences and how this affects the life of an infant. It is also important to remember that there are organizations out there that are attempting to create better environments for both expecting mothers and infants.
I believe that one of the most interesting parts of this project is how much we are able to impact the lives of others by being informed citizens and using this information to help others. By being aware of the organizations that offer care and assistance to mothers and infants we can connect them to people who might not know of their existence and what can be done for them. Social Workers, and people in general, need to be the bridge from the vulnerable and oppressed to the people and organizations that are there to help them and empower them.
Through this project, I have learned how to research and find the resources that are built to help people. Prior to this, I had never tried to find organizations that were there to serve people and had never focused on a specific need for people, such as infant and maternal care. I now have a better understanding of how to use my knowledge to impact people for the better and try to make places like Franklin County, and the people that inhabit it, more knowledgeable about what surrounds them.
