According to the Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics, Mississippi’s non-profit Mississippi News screens less children in their early years for developmental delays than any other country. This oversight can lead to costly consequences later in life. Only 17 percent of Mississippi’s children are eligible for developmental screenings. These tests diagnose everything, from motor skills and speech delays to autism spectrum disorders. Oregon has the highest developmental screening rate at 60 percent. Nationally, the average is around 30 percent. According to the study, 15% of American children have developmental disabilities or delays. These screenings are the first step in getting these children into early intervention programs. These programs are crucial in leveling academic playing fields for many of these children, according Dr. Ashley Hirai (a senior health scientist at the Health Resources and Services Administration and lead author of the study). Hirai stated that they are crucial in early intervention. Hirai stated that early intervention is crucial for children with disabilities and delays. Hirai also said that therapy can help many of these issues. Most often, pediatricians work closely with parents to screen their children. They assess them using a checklist at three different points before their third birthday, nine months, 18 month, and 35 months. Factors such as income, education history, and insurance status can all impact how likely a child will be screened. Mississippi has one of the lowest rates of child welfare and poverty in the country. It also has the nation’s highest rate of poverty. The nonprofit Annie E. Casey Foundation ranked Mississippi 48th for child well-being in June’s annual Kids Count Report. This was the first time that Mississippi has not been ranked 49th or 50th in 25 years. Mississippi’s high school graduation rate is one of the most problematic areas in child well-being. According to Kids Count, twenty-five percent Mississippi students fail high school. The national average is 16%. Data shows that children with disabilities or delays are less likely than those who get early intervention. Adults who do not finish school are less likely than those who do to to find steady work, to have insurance and to experience poverty. These factors can impact whether or not their child is given a developmental screening. This could potentially create a cycle of self-reinforcing. Hirai stated that it was frustrating. Hirai stated that it was frustrating. According to the JAMA report, many states took part in national programs to reform their screening policies and practices between 2006 and 2016, when the American Academy of Pediatrics introduced guidelines for developmental screenings. Mississippi was not among those. The federal Health Resources and Services Administration granted a $10.5million grant last fall. The program is a three-year partnership between the University of Mississippi Medical Center and Mississippi State’s Social Science Research Center. It’s aimed at improving Mississippi’s early childhood health. Former U.S. Senator Thad Cochran stated that Mississippi has the potential to establish a national model for improving children’s health and well-being. Senator Thad Cochran was the one who requested funding. He made a statement last autumn. Hirai stated that this lofty goal was not impossible. She said that ten years ago, Oregon had the lowest early childhood screening rate in the nation. She said, “Lower than Mississippi.” She said, “So it really demonstrates what those (state-level) efforts and quality improvement efforts can accomplish.” Through promotional materials and developmental screenings, the Child Health and Development Project set a goal to reach 60 percent of the state’s children by 2020. “The Mississippi’s health and developmental problems have been well documented. Linda Southward, project leader for Mississippi State, stated that she believes this collaborative initiative will positively affect the lives of many children who are most at risk.