KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Officials from a Kalamazoo-based advocacy group fighting to reduce infant deaths says that progress has been made, but much more work remains to be done.
On Thursday, February 6th the organization Cradle Kalamazoo presented data showing steady strides in reducing infant mortality rates. The research examined reported the status of births by race, socioeconomic status, and location within the Kalamazoo region.
The group also shed a spotlight on the causal impact of its own efforts and those of Kalamazoo County’s Healthy Babies Healthy Start home visitation program in combatting disparities.
Like much of the United States, mortality rates for black infants are higher than their white counterparts. Data collected in 2017 showed the white infant mortality rate at 4.7 per 1,000 live births, while black infants faced a dramatically higher rate of 15.3.
National research has also indicated that not only are many black infants exposed to unequal care, but their mothers are too. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that black woman are more than three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related complications that expecting white mothers.
Cradle Kalamazoo says that their findings suggest the racial disparity gap could be addressed through further investment in visitation services and making prenatal care more accessible.
According to the group, 62% of mothers who take part in the county home visitation program are woman of color. Advocates are also highlighting the importance of birth doulas, who are trained companions that can offer guidance as mothers face significant changes in their life due to pregnancy or miscarriage.
Officials say that since forming in 2015, Cradle Kalamazoo has seen a 10% reduction in infant deaths overall, though black infants still face a starkly higher mortality rate.
The group has initiated ongoing partnerships with local hospitals such as Ascension Borgess, Bronson Healthcare, and reproductive health providers like Planned Parenthood in order to increase engagement in the community and track vulnerable expecting and new mothers.
