The next Prevention Research Center for Healthy Neighborhoods Research Seminar Series will host a Research Seminar series event titled “Strategic Approaches to Address Racial Inequities in Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes” Wednesday, Jan. 13, at noon.
Infant mortality is defined as the death of a baby before his or her first birthday and is a key indicator of the overall health and well-being of a community.
- In 2018, Black babies in the United States died at 2 times the rate of white babies.
- In 2018, Black babies in Ohio died at 3 times the rate of white babies.
- In 2019, Black babies in Cuyahoga County died at 4 times the rate of white babies.
- In 2019, Black babies in Cleveland died at 7 times the rate of white babies.
For more than five decades, Cuyahoga County has had one of the country’s highest infant death rates. Inequities between Black and white birth outcomes are dramatic and require a sense of urgency. Recognizing that a new approach was needed to successfully reduce infant deaths in our community, First Year Cleveland launched to create awareness of the issues surrounding infant deaths in Cuyahoga County, reduce racial inequities and provide support to families.
This presentation will uncover the root causes of Cuyahoga County’s high infant mortality rate and strategies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
About the series
The PRCHN Research Seminars aim to foster conversations and new collaborations, create opportunities to address health concerns, and aid in the work to achieve health equity in our communities.