May 1, 2019 | Fox34
LUBBOCK, Texas
Lubbock county's rape, aggravated assault, child abuse and family violence rates are higher than the state's, according to the United Way.
Its annual report shows prenatal care and the overall health of babies has improved. When it comes to poverty in the South Plains, two in five families in Lubbock county live in or near poverty.
That includes house-holds above the federal poverty level, but not high enough to afford basic necessities like rent, food or transportation.
"We used to be one of the absolute worst in the state of low birth-weight babies. That can be directly related to educational achievement, how they're able to learn and grow, but we're actually beating the state average," Ashley Ammons, United Way Community Impact Director, said.
The report is used to keep up-to-date on important issues facing the Lubbock Area and ensure funds are being directed to the most relevant needs. It has also become an authority for accurate data that nonprofits throughout the region rely upon when developing grant proposals. The report and additional statistical data can be accessed online at www.liveunitedlubbock.org/research-reports