NC child safety task force makes recommendations

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) – A state panel focused on reducing child deaths in North Carolina wants lawmakers this year to spend money promoting healthier pregnancies and safer infants while upgrading smoke-alarm requirements.

The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force released its annual report Monday, two days before the Legislature reconvenes for its budget-adjustment session.

The panel of lawmakers, health professionals and others wants the General Assembly to maintain funds for the state’s infant mortality prevention programs. Much of the more than $1 million requested would go to a maternity clinic for high-risk pregnancies in eastern counties and to a healthy women’s campaign.

The task force wants a phase-in replacement of traditional smoke alarms in rental units with those containing tamper-resistant batteries and recommends a pilot project to place speed cameras in school zones.

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