Bethel Senior Day Care Center Inc., a recent recipient of a $13,000 South Carolina March of Dimes' grant, is requesting information from individuals, community organizations, physicians and others to assist in the publication of a resource booklet for the program, "Local Resources to Improve Access to and Quality of Care."

It is the purpose of this project to produce this guide and hold a community forum to educate at risk women about local maternal child health care programs and resources available to residents of Cherokee and surrounding

counties. Included in the booklet will be pertinent information concerning how to access area maternal and child health (MCH) programs, including the Health Department (DHEC), WIC, DSS and local medical facilities and clinics and provide other information to help women reduce risks for adverse birth outcomes and care for newborn babies.

It will emphasize resources and healthy behavior and the places to seek prenatal care in order to result in healthy birth outcomes.

A total of 1,000 booklets will be distributed throughout the

area in anticipation to secure reduced rates of premature births, health defects and infant deaths.

In Cherokee County, 11.9 percent of the births in 2000 were low birth weight live births, an increase of 28 percent over the previous year, while South Carolina experienced a 20 percent decrease to 9.7 percent. In addition, Cherokee County experienced a 10.4 percent rate of still births among female 10 to 19 years of age, including a rate of almost 12 percent among girls 15-17.

Additional information can be obtained by calling Bethel's administrator, Dr. J.W. Sanders Jr., at 864-4897552, and send information to Bethel Senior Day Care Center, P.O.Box 44 Gaffney, S.C. 29342; or email jwsjr@ iwon.com.