Janet Olszewski, director of the Michigan Department of Community Health, issued the following statement today on the Right Start in Michigan 2009 report released by the Michigan League for Human Services:

"Today's Right Start report contains some very good news for Michigan children and families. As evidenced by improvements in six of eight key measures, we have made some great strides when it comes to improving maternal and infant health here in Michigan. Of particular significance are the substantial decreases in the number of teen births and repeat teen births, as well as the number of women who smoked during their pregnancy. While we certainly should celebrate our advancements and what they mean to the health of Michigan's residents, the report also confirms what we already know - our work is far from done. At the Michigan Department of Community Health, we will remain vigilant in our efforts to help ensure the state's youngest citizens and their families get off to the right start."