Infant Mortality in North Carolina
Racial disparities
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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 more than twice
that of white babies:
- In 2010, the African American infant mortality rate of 12.7
deaths per 1,000 live births decreased 19.6 percent from
a rate of 15.8 deaths in 2009. Racial disparities in infant mortality rates were greater in 2008 than in 2009. African American communities have a 2.4 times higher rate of infant death than white communities.
- In 20109, the white infant mortality rate of 5.3 per
1,000 live births decreased from 5.5 in 2009.
The white infant mortality rate has decreased 45 percent
from 9.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1988.
- The overall neonatal mortality rate (deaths occurring during the first 28 days of life) declined
7.5 percent overall in 2010. The African American rate decreased 14 percent. The neonatal death rate actually increased 2.9 percent for whites in 2010.
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 culturally and linguistically appropriate 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: November 2011 |
