John, What do Bethel County, Alaska and Madison County, Louisiana have in common? They're among the U.S. counties where it's hardest to be a kid. The first-ever ranking of how each county is America protects and provides for its children is here. It reveals that the most disadvantaged counties are mostly comprised of communities of color, and nearly all are rural, poor and concentrated in the south. Not surprisingly, the bottom-ranked counties are also the same areas that are being hit hardest by the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The ranking can be found within this report, entitled The Land of Inopportunity: Closing the Childhood Equity Gap for America's Kids. Download and read it here.
Save the Children began our work in Appalachia, helping feed the hungry children of factory workers during World War II. Today, during the pandemic, our workers are responding to the needs of children living in poverty who don't have access to computers, books or even the meals they used to receive at school. Our coordinators regularly check in on families, coach parents on how to help kids with lessons and provide learning materials as well as diapers, wipes and hand sanitizer. Read the story of one overwhelmed family in the Mississipi Delta here.
We hope government and local leaders will use the data in this report to direct investments toward children in the counties that need it the most. Compassionate supporters like you can make a difference by supporting our efforts to help the world's most marginalized children. But rest assured, Save the Children is on the ground every day doing whatever it takes to give children in these low-ranked counties a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Sincerely, Janti Soeripto President & CEO Save the Children |
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