Infant Mortality in North Carolina
Racial disparities
In North Carolina, as in the rest of the country, a disparity
in infant deaths exists between different races and ethnic
groups. The death rate for minority babies is at least twice
that of white babies:
- In 2008, the minority infant mortality rate of 13.5
deaths per 1,000 live births decreased 2.9 percent from
a rate of 13.96 deaths in 2007. The 2008 infant mortality rate is at its lowest rate ever. However, racial disparities in infant mortality rates remain, with minorities continuing to have a rate more than two times (2.3) higher than whites.
- In 2008, the white infant mortality rate of 6.0 per
1,000 live births decreased 2 percent from 6.3 in 2007.
The white infant mortality rate has decreased 34.4 percent
from 9.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1988.
- The neonatal mortality rate (deaths occurring during the first 28 days of life) decreased 8.8 percent overall in 2008; this decrease was greater among minorities (10.5%) than among whites (7.1%).
Resources to Reduce Racial Disparities
The North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation produces and
distributes educational materials and
promotes resources to help
women, their families, and health professionals learn about
ways to reduce the risk of infant deaths.
In addition, we produce and distribute community
education materials. Materials include brochures, posters
and informational videos with discussion guides. These
items are perfect for launching community discussions about
issues related to minority infant mortality reduction and
the possibility of developing, or supporting, local initiatives.
Great strides in reducing infant mortality rates can be
made when community members support parents-to-be, help reinforce
the key health messages for women and babies, and understand
the role that community organizations play in the broader
health of their community.
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Last updated: May 2010
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