Ohio Faces Infant Mortality Challenge as Seven Babies Die Before First Birthday per 1,000 Births
Ohio continues to face a serious infant mortality challenge, with about seven babies dying before their first birthday for every 1,000 live births, according to a recent report highlighting the state’s health disparities.
The issue is being highlighted during September’s National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, which focuses on raising awareness about infant deaths and the conditions that can affect babies’ survival and healthy development.
Black babies in Ohio are about twice as likely to die before their first birthday as White babies. Health experts link the disparity to unequal access to healthcare and broader social conditions, including transportation, childcare, housing, food and income insecurity.
The leading causes of infant death include birth defects, premature birth and low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), unintentional injuries and complications related to pregnancy.
Early and consistent prenatal care can help identify health concerns affecting mothers and babies and improve the chances of a healthy, full-term birth. However, some families face barriers that make it difficult to access care during pregnancy.
Health providers also encourage families to learn about safe sleep practices, infant vaccinations, appropriate car-seat use and ways to make homes safer for babies.
In Central Ohio, organisations including Physicians CareConnection and CelebrateOne provide support for expecting mothers and families, including healthcare coordination, home visits, transportation assistance and help obtaining essential items such as cribs and car seats.
Experts say reducing Ohio’s infant mortality rate will require sustained cooperation among healthcare providers, community organisations, public agencies and families to address the barriers affecting pregnancy, birth and babies’ first year of life.
