Infant mortality rates are an important marker for the overall health of a community. According to the CDC, approximately 20,000 infants died in the US in 2020. There are also significant racial disparities in maternal mortality with Non-Hispanic black infants having 2.4 times the infant mortality rate as non-Hispanic whites infants. 

The leading contributing causes of infant mortality are  birth defects, preterm birth, low birthweight, sudden infant death syndrome, and maternal pregnancy complications. While people cannot completely prevent all of these, steps can be taken to reduce risk. 

Healthy People 2030 is a science-based, ten-year national push for improving the overall health of all Americans.  One of the key objectives of Healthy People is to reduce the rate of infant mortality.

Addressing social and political determinants of health is important for reducing the infant mortality rates in our state. Expanding awareness of preconception care is also critical.  When women can access health care regularly, begin pregnancy healthier, and receive earlier and more consistent prenatal care, babies are born closer to term at healthier weights. During postpartum mother and infant should be encouraged to go for regular check ups and developmental screenings.