Georgia has one of the worst infant mortality rates in the nation, according to data compiled by a children’s advocacy group.

In 2004, the state’s infant mortality rate was 8.5 per 1,000 births, ranking Georgia 43rd in the nation. Hispanics had the lowest infant mortality rate in the state, just 3 per 1,000, while blacks had the worst ranking with 14 deaths per 1,000. The white infant mortality rate was 7 per 1,000.

Those and other statistics on Georgia children are contained in the Georgia 2006 Kids Count data book. The Family Connection Partnership, a nonprofit group created by the state, compiled those statistics. The group brought local elected officials, service providers and others to Dalton State College on Friday to discuss children’s issues.

“We want to inform local leaders so they can take part in discussions to prioritize issues affecting children and families,” said Taifa Butler, director of public affairs for the partnership.

The data show that Georgia ranks near the bottom of the nation in a number of measures of child welfare.

• The high school dropout rate is one of the three highest in the nation.

• The teen pregnancy rate is one of the eight highest in the nation.

• The percentage of low-birth weight babies is among the 10 highest in the nation.

• The percentage of teenagers not in school and not working is among the nine highest in the nation.

And the Northwest Georgia area, which includes Whitfield and Murray counties, ranks near the bottom of the state in several of those measures.

For instance, the statewide rate of substantiated incidents of child abuse or neglect was 23.1 per 1,000 in 2003. But in Murray County it was 40.4 and in Whitfield County it was 26.7.

Meanwhile, Georgia’s teen pregnancy rate was 40.1 per 1,000 in 2003. Whitfield County’s teen pregnancy rate was 63.6 per 1,000, and Murray County’s was 60.1.

“One concern I have is that while the (overall) teen pregnancy rate doesn’t seem to be going up, we seem to be seeing more very young girls becoming pregnant,” said Cheryl Christie, manager of the Whitfield County Health Department.

Participants were also informed about several possible policy changes that may affect children.

Lauren Waits, policy director of Voices for Georgia’s Children, said legislation will be introduced in the next session of the General Assembly to expand PeachCare to cover all children. PeachCare currently provides health coverage for children in low-income families.