Taxing Choices
by Kate Kahn - 08th July 2008
San Joaquin County in California is putting its money where its mouth is. Literally! In an effort to better its breastfeeding rate (which is dismal according to health officials), the county is taking $150,000 from cigarette taxes to finance wellness programs to help babies, children up to age 5 and their families. It's called the First 5 Initiative. Hospital participation is voluntary but those that do it will receive training for their maternity staff on breastfeeding classes and more.
San Joaquiin County ranks close to the bottom in the number of mothers who continuously breastfeed their babies. We all know that most hospitals are understaffed and low on discretionary funds. Rather than just complain about it, this county is doing something about it. Taking money from cigarette taxes is something most city and state governments can do. I like this idea. Not only is it designed to increase breastfeeding rates but the money is also being used to promote wellness and healthier living for families with young children. Kudos to this kind of progressive thinking. We could all take a page out of this lesson book.
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