About YouFirst
Those served by YouFirst will receive a FREE personalized health plan based on individual needs, goals, and preferences. Expert medical guidance will be provided through an interdisciplinary team consisting of public health, health care, and other professionals who will monitor for chronic health conditions, provide nutrition and exercise education and counseling to promote healthy habits essential for well-being and lifelong wellness.
YouFirst focuses on those who are:
-
Planning a pregnancy, and
The YouFirst program considers the diverse needs of Racine residents when working to lower the rates of unwanted pregnancies, low-birth-weight infants, and chronic health conditions. This is achieved through activities such as pre-pregnancy planning, prenatal care, and regular health screenings. These actions ultimately increase maternal wellness, reducing the infant mortality rate as well as maternal morbidity caused by chronic health conditions.
Infant Mortality
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, the City of Racine’s infant mortality rate has been significantly higher than the state average. In 2021, the rate of infant deaths in Racine was 8.7 per 1,000 live births, meaning nearly 9 infants out of every 1,000 born did not survive to their first birthday. This is compared to the statewide average of 5.3 per 1,000.
This figure is particularly alarming among African American infants in Racine, who face a mortality rate of 17.2 per 1,000 live births, more than double the overall rate and strikingly higher than the rate for non-Hispanic white infants of 4.3 per 1,000. These disparities are a result of a combination of factors, including limited access to prenatal care, socioeconomic challenges, and higher instances of preterm births and low birth weights, all of which contribute to the risk of infant death.
Maternal Mortality
Maternal morbidity refers to health complications during or after pregnancy that affect women’s well-being but do not result in death. Common conditions include pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, hemorrhage, infections, and mental health disorders like postpartum depression. Wisconsin has seen rising rates of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes during pregnancy, which contribute to maternal morbidity. Racial and ethnic disparities are notable, with Black women facing higher rates of complications compared to White women, often due to factors like socioeconomic status and healthcare access. Rural areas also face challenges in obtaining timely prenatal care. Mental health is increasingly recognized as a key issue, with postpartum depression and anxiety affecting many women.
To address these challenges, Wisconsin has launched initiatives to improve access to prenatal care, reduce health disparities, and support maternal mental health. The state’s Maternal Mortality Review Committee reviews cases of maternal deaths to inform public health strategies and improve outcomes, reflecting the state's ongoing efforts to reduce maternal morbidity and improve maternal health.