Local editorial

OKLAHOMA CITY — According to a study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Commission, the level of education and financial income are interrelated. According to figures from the organization, educational levels, economic situation and even the ethnic factor dictate the chances of survival in young children, their health condition and their growth or development.

The figures are proof that when these factors improve, conditions equally improve for the young. Edd
Rhoades, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Health in the City says that the study is of great importance for the City, giving an idea to the State in which direction to move.

Oklahoma is ranked as the 34th in the nation in general health and ideal conditions based on education and income. A 13.7 percent of children in the City, are considered adequately healthy. A 5.3 percent of them living in high-income households. The study also compares the effect of education and infant mortality where Oklahoma is ranked number 40. The level of infant mortality in the state is 7.6 per
1,000 births.

But in mothers with little or no formal education the level is 9.2 per 1000 births. In families where young people do not graduate from high school, the numbers indicate 4.5 times the chances of a mediocre health in children.

The figures also show that Hispanics are 3.5
times more likely to have mediocre personal health compared to the non-Hispanic population. Furthermore according to Rhoades, 57% of all births in the City last year were through Sooner Care, a state Medicaid program.