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 2013, the African American infant mortality rate of 12.5
deaths per 1,000 live births decreased 10.1% from
13.9 deaths in 2012. African American communities have a 2.3 times higher rate of infant death than white communities.
- In 2013, the white infant mortality rate of 5.5 per
1,000 live births remained the same as in 2011 and 2012.
The white infant mortality rate has decreased 43 percent
from 9.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1988.
Resources to Reduce Racial Disparities
The North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation has produced educational materials, coordinates training and
promotes resources to help
women, their families, and health professionals learn about
ways to reduce the risk of infant deaths.
Materials include culturally and linguistically appropriate 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.
NOTE: The North Carolina Healthy Start Foundation stopped shipping materials in September 2012 but most materials can be downloaded from our publications section.
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: October 2014 |
