Alabama’s Kids Count Databook Review
A few weeks ago, the Annie E. Casey Foundation shared its annual Kids Count Databook, which measures the well-being of children across the United States. Unfortunately, Alabama’s results were not as favorable as in previous years.
This concerning trend has persisted for generations in Alabama.
Poverty rates, poor reading and math scores, and overall educational challenges plague the state. It’s been consistently rated one of the lowest for healthcare outcomes in the nation. Many children in Alabama face issues like obesity, higher rates of preventable illnesses, and a maternal mortality rate that resembles those found in some of the world’s poorest regions.
These facts are not mere opinions; they are reality. And they are familiar to many of us.
As someone who has lived here my entire life, I’ve often pondered how we can acknowledge these truths year after year and yet see so little change.
The 2025 Kids Count Databook examined progress from 2019 to 2023. The only notable improvement in Alabama has been a decline in teenage birth rates, which fell from 26 to 20; however, this is still above the national average of over 13.
I’ve looked back at previous data, and while there were slight fluctuations, nothing substantial seemed to improve.
Each year, lawmakers and leaders repeat the same narrative. We hear familiar rhetoric, the same excuses, and a seemingly endless cycle that perpetuates the status quo while suggesting improvements that often don’t materialize.
It’s perplexing how long we’ve been in this situation. Particularly since there are examples within the state that illustrate how progress can be achieved.
When it comes to poverty, health, and education, Alabama’s communities have experienced challenges similar to those faced by the Creek Indian tribes. For decades, they lacked access to healthcare or dental services until they received federal approval in the mid-1980s. Gaining entry to Alabama public schools was also a struggle, and even after integration, it wasn’t a welcoming environment.
Stephanie Brian, the current Chairman and CEO of the Porch Creek Tribe, shared in a recent podcast that she remembers taking the bus for a dental appointment as a child.
Things began to change dramatically post-1984 after the welfare perceptions shifted and Native American tribes were permitted to establish gambling on their lands—this had a significant impact.
Tribal leaders started making decisions that would improve the lives of their community members instead of perpetuating generational poverty.
They created a governance system that worked for the community. One of their first moves post-recognition was to establish the Porch Creek Health Clinic in 1987, just a few years after gaining federal status—well before gambling revenues started to roll in.
With this foundation, PCI leaders began to support their members in both birth and adulthood as their resources grew.
Today, they operate world-class clinics, successful Pre-K and daycare programs, counseling services, and even provide free medications. Scholarship programs and tuition assistance have flourished, making education more accessible.
Back in 2011, when the Tribe launched its Boys and Girls Club, 40 kids participated. Now, that number exceeds 500.
In the 1990s, the tribe started offering college scholarships ranging from $500 to $1,000. Last year, 36 high school graduates moved on to higher education, and PCI celebrated 27 graduates.
As PCI invested more into healthcare services, the outcomes improved significantly. For instance, they launched a specialized diabetes program in 2022, focusing on education and overall wellness, leading to a notable decline in serious diabetes complications.
Of course, it’s essential to acknowledge that while PCI has made strides, challenges still exist. Life isn’t perfect; no community is free from issues. Yet, improvements are evident among the tribe, while the broader state continues to struggle.
Steady progress is being made. Each day brings opportunities for growth, even if hurdles remain.
And let’s be clear—it’s not just about the money gained from gambling. Their resources may not even compare to Alabama’s tax revenues. The real difference lies in how the funds are allocated.
Alabama has the potential for better living conditions for its children. It’s not that we lack understanding of effective solutions.
Yet, our lawmakers have opted against making those improvements.
