The EveryOne Reach One Infant Mortality Task Force is made up of more than 20 Montgomery County organizations that are working collectively to help reduce the infant mortality rate.
MORE: Following local baby deaths, health officials warn public on danger
The number of Ohio infants who died before their first birthday declined to 982 in 2017 from 1,024 in 2016, according to a report released by the Ohio Department of Health.
It was only the second time since the state began keeping records in 1939 that Ohio had fewer than 1,000 infant deaths in a year, with the first time occurring in 2014. At the same time, the disparity in birth outcomes continued in 2017, with black infants dying at three times the rate as white infants.
Nine Ohio counties and metropolitan areas accounted for close to two-thirds of all infant deaths, and 90 percent of black infant deaths, in Ohio in 2017: Butler, Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, Mahoning, Montgomery, Stark and Summit. Four counties saw fewer black infant deaths in 2017 – Butler, Franklin, Stark and Summit.
The theme of today’s conference is “Their Story is Our Story,” which highlights the devastating impact of infant mortality in our community. It is the latest tool being used to combat the issue.
“Today, we are in a better place to address this issue, and this conference is a testament to our community’s collaboration and our commitment to helping every child celebrate that first birthday,” said County Commission President Debbie Lieberman.
The conference is designed to increase community awareness and address the factors that contribute to infant mortality and poor maternal health outcomes.
Attendees will learn about the significant disparity gap between the races and recommended prevention strategies ranging from safe sleep to race-based trauma and trauma informed care.
MORE: Dayton health center to expand pregnancy, parenting resources
Local parents affected by infant mortality will take part in a panel discussion to discuss their experiences.
“We have found that black babies are dying at a rate four times greater than that of white babies in Montgomery County,” said Health Commissioner Jeff Cooper, Public Health - Dayton and Montgomery County. “That racial disparity is unacceptable in our community, and we are working through the EveryOne Reach One Task Force to help reduce that rate.”
The keynote speaker for the event is Charles Johnson, founder of 4Kira4Moms, a nonprofit that is dedicated to better prevent birth-related deaths.
The organization was founded as the result of a tragic event in 2016, when Johnson’s wife Kira unexpectedly lost her life in the hospital, shortly after giving birth to the couple’s second child.
MORE: Montgomery County gets $3.2M in funding to combat infant mortality
Strategies to reduce infant deaths include:
• Decrease the percentage of preterm and low birth weight babies.
• Reduce unintended pregnancy by providing education and resources on long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) methods and access to prenatal care.
• Engage fathers to support mothers and their children.
• Reduce the number of mothers who smoke and increase screening for alcohol use.
• Foster increased educational opportunities for children.
• Address ways to assist pregnant women to access care early and often.
Source: The EveryOne Reach One Infant Mortality Task Force.
About the Author