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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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Educational materials that teach women and families how to reduce the risk of infant death and illness

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