Report focuses on life of black youth

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The Circle City Classic parade is synonymous with the Indiana Black Expo. But the same group known for celebrating has paused to educate the community.

A new report commissioned by the Indiana Black Expo examined the overall quality of life for black youth across the state. It’s the third in the organization’s series of statewide reporting on key issues affecting the quality of life for black youth.

“It was shocking and overwhelming,” President Tanya Bell said after sharing the results Tuesday afternoon with media.

A team of consultants at IUPUI conducted the study, which revealed the obesity rate for black children is 46 percent higher than their white peers. Plus, eight out of 10 black children are born to unwed parents. Deaths among black infants in Indiana are 32 percent higher than the national average. Dr. Virginia Caine with the Marion Department of Health says a lack of insurance among low-income families has played a role in the state’s high infant mortality rate.

“For good outcomes, you have to have a minimum of six prenatal visits,” Dr. Virginia Caine said. “They have to start in the first trimester.”

Although the survey did reveal some positive trends, Bell says  there is still more work to do.

“Although we see better trends  …  the disparities still exist, ” Bell said.

For the full report, click here .