In the latest Kids Count Data Book, Alabama fell to 46th in the nation, dropping for the second straight year. The state lost ground in all four child well-being indicators, economic well-being, education, health and family and community. Policy and Research Director for Voices for Alabama's children, Rhonda Mann says poverty in the state puts children at a disadvantage. The news wasn't all bad. Alabama did see a decline in the number of low birth weight babies; the proportion of children without health insurance; child and teen deaths; and alcohol and drug abuse by teens. The news wasn't all bad. Alabama did see a decline in the number of low birth weight babies; the proportion without health insurance; child and teen deaths; and alcohol and drug abuse by teens.
Melanie began her career as a work study student, working in the areas of news reporting, anchoring and news-gathering. After graduating from Alabama State University, she worked as a production assistant at the local NBC affiliate, WSFA-TV. As a News Director at WVAS-FM, Melanie leads her team to produce award- winning newscasts and talk shows. Her professional achievements includes News Reporter of the Year for a number of years and awards for talk show producer, by the Alabama Broadcasters Association and the Associated Press. She is an active member of the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce. Her goals are to expand the reach of WVAS FM into more homes locally, regionally and nationally.