There is encouraging news coming from the Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology Section of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. After analyzing the data, 2019, the most recent year analyzed, had the lowest infant mortality rates- 6.4 per thousand- in recorded history for the state of Michigan.
The legacy of racial disparity in infant mortality rates is also showing signs of decreasing. Dr. Joneigh Khaldun of MDHHS said, “It is encouraging that Michigan achieved an all-time low infant mortality rate in 2019, as well as the fact that we are starting to see a decreasing trend in the infant mortality disparity ratio between Black and white infants.”
Khaldun noted that the department used “vigilance and intentionality” to fight infant mortality. She said the effort must continue to assure healthy outcomes for Michigan mothers and babies.
The 2020-2023 Mother-Infant Health & Equity Improvement Plan uses strategies to work toward the goal of Zero Preventable Deaths and Zero Health Disparities. The 2019 report shows a good start toward the goal.
Reporting for WGRT- Jennie McClelland
