Highlights
Newborn Death Rate in Hamilton County Drops Below National Average for First Time: Here’s Why
Source: https://www.wcpo.com/
Hamilton County has achieved a significant milestone with its newborn death rate falling below the national average for the first time, signaling substantial progress in local health outcomes. Dr. James Greenberg, co-founder of Cradle Cincinnati, emphasized the profound impact of reducing infant mortality, noting initial doubts about achieving such a milestone.
Key Highlight:
- In 2023, infant deaths in Hamilton County saw a substantial decrease of over 35%, dropping from 8.7 deaths per 1,000 births in 2022 to 5.5 deaths. The death rate among Black newborns also declined significantly from 13.7 deaths per 1,000 births to nine. Dominique Walker from Cradle Cincinnati highlighted that racial discrimination and racism remain significant factors influencing local infant mortality rates, noting that Black families in the county are still two and a half times more likely to experience infant loss compared to white families.
- Dr. Elizabeth Kelly, a co-founder of Cradle Cincinnati, emphasized the importance of listening to patients, particularly pregnant individuals and Black pregnant individuals. She noted that their interventions have been instrumental in driving positive outcomes. Cradle Cincinnati, established 11 years ago as a collaborative effort, aims to ensure that every infant born in Hamilton County reaches their first birthday. Through various initiatives developed over the years, officials credit these efforts for the significant decrease in infant mortality rates observed recently.
- Dr. Elizabeth Kelly highlighted the convergence of efforts over many years that have contributed to improving infant mortality rates in Hamilton County. She emphasized the collaborative nature of these efforts, involving various stakeholders working towards a common goal. Key interventions include enhancing prenatal care access, educating about the risks of tobacco use during pregnancy, and providing crucial social support through initiatives like Queens Village and community health workers. Dr. Kelly credited these efforts with making Hamilton County a leader in reducing infant mortality rates in 2023.
- Grant Mussman, commissioner of health for the City of Cincinnati, emphasized the preventability of sleep-related infant deaths, which remain a significant concern. In 2023, Hamilton County recorded 15 babies lost to sleep-related deaths. Mussman stressed the importance of following the Safe Sleep ABCs guidelines promoted by the Cincinnati health department to ensure infants sleep safely. Looking ahead, Cradle Cincinnati officials acknowledged challenges in predicting future trends but expressed optimism and determination to reduce sleep-related infant deaths to zero, highlighting the ongoing need to elevate Black voices in healthcare and build on past efforts.
- Hamilton County Health Commissioner Greg Kesterman emphasized the significance of collaboration with community partners and fostering relationships within the community to achieve meaningful impact.
Image Source: https://www.wcpo.com/
