GRAND RAPIDS , Mich. – According to the Kent County Health Department there has been a decrease in infant deaths in Kent County over the past decade, mirroring a national trend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a significant decline in the nation’s infant mortality rate; a 12 percent decrease from 2005 to 2011. Michigan is one of several states that experienced a decline.
“We have made significant strides to help deliver healthy, full-term babies,” says Adam London, Health Officer for the Kent County Health Department. “We know there is still much work to be done, especially in terms of the disparities seen based on race. We need to make sure women receive important nutrition, education and health information they need before and during pregnancies.”
Several programs through KCHD and local hospitals are making a difference. “The Maternal Infant Health Program through the Kent County Health Department worked with nearly 1000 mothers in 2012 to promote healthy pregnancies and support good birth outcomes,” London added. “Our staff with the Strong Beginnings program helped an additional 200 women last year.” In addition, the Kent County Interconception Care Program is helping mothers who experienced a miscarriage, premature birth or low birth-weight delivery. By educating the mother about nutritional care, encouraging an 18 month delay between pregnancies, and delivering proper dental care, the next pregnancy lasts on average 5 weeks longer, and the baby weighs 2.5 pounds more at birth.
“In just one decade, the overall infant mortality rate dropped by 19% in Kent County,” London added. By ethnicity, white infants experienced a 20% decrease in mortality, African-American babies experienced a 16% decrease, and Hispanic infants experienced a 38% decrease in mortality.
