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Overcoming Ohio’s High Infant Mortality Rate (video)
< < Back to overcoming-ohios-high-infant-mortality-ratesColumbus, Ohio (WOUB) — Ohio has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the country—23% higher rate than the national average. Now doctors, organizations and state senators are teaming up to fight to bring down the state’s high infant mortality rates.
Infant mortality is defined as the death of a baby before they turn one-year old. The two leading causes are premature births and sudden infant death syndrome.
According to the Ohio Department of Health, more 1,204 babies died before their first birthday in 2013. Dr. Arthur James, a Columbus-area pediatrician and obstetrician, said infant mortality rates are higher in more urban, low-income neighborhoods. He also said there is a huge racial disparity when it comes to infant mortality with black infants dying at more than twice the rate of white infants.
“There are only six other states in the nation who have more babies year than the state of Ohio,” Dr. James said. “If you look at the rate at which we keep those babies alive during their first year of life, Ohio ranks among the worst 10 states in the country for overall baby mortality. We have more responsibility to mothers and babies that most other states in the nation- especially in terms of keeping those babies alive but we’re not doing a good job in fulfilling that responsibility.”
Doctors say raising awareness and making sure pregnant women are receiving proper medical care can help keep infants alive.
One organization also trying to make change in the Columbus area is Moms2B. Founded by pediatrician Dr. Patricia Gabbe, Moms2B is a program in the Columbus area that targets neighborhoods with high infant mortality rates.
“They become part of our family. We care about them. We want the best for them. And we mentor them,”Gabbe said.
There are five different Moms2B locations, each one hosting a meeting every week. At the meeting, expecting and new mothers can get a healthy plate of food to eat, learn about nutrition, and ways to keep their babies safe. They can also obtain help with getting the essentials like diapers, wipes and clothes.
“Most of our mom’s live below the poverty level so anything that can help how the baby is safe, keep the baby clean, we’ll help this mom and this family. And Columbus,” Dr. Gabbe said.
Lawmakers are also trying to address the state’s high infant mortality rate. Senator Sharon Jones established the Commission on Infant Mortality last December.
The commission, made up of politicians and health advocates, met for the first time in August. Senator Jones said the commission will gather facts and make recommendations on how to improve efforts to reduce the infant mortality rate. The commission will issue a final report by the end of the year.
If you are interested in attending a Moms2B program or would like to volunteer, you can find more information at moms2bohio.com