TITLE
Title
ESTABLISH THE GUILFORD COUNTY INFANT MORTALITY TASKFORCE
end
SPONSOR
Sponsor
Chairman Melvin "Skip" Alston
end
RESOLUTION
Resolution
WHEREAS, for more than 30 years Guilford County and our Community Partners have been focused on ensuring that every child is afforded the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. However, Guilford County has consistently struggled with ongoing high infant mortality rates with local mortality rates in the past three years trending higher than both the state and national averages, noting significant racial and geographic disparities; and
WHEREAS, infant mortality is widely recognized as a key indicator of a community’s overall health and well-being. In the year 2023 5,757 babies were born in Guilford County, 53 of those babies, sadly, did not reach their first birthday; of those losses, 4% were white, 11% were Hispanic, 11% were identified as Other Race and 70% of those children were African American; and
WHEREAS, Guilford County’s infant mortality rate has seen a troubling trend, increasing from 7.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2021 to 9.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2023, nearly doubling the national average of 5.6; and
WHEREAS, too many families in Guilford County continue to experience the tragedy of losing a child before their first birthday, despite evidence-based solutions that can prevent many of these deaths; and
WHEREAS, Guilford County has strong health provider network and community organization collaboration with our Public Health teams, all working diligently on initiatives addressing maternal and child health; yet, sustainable reduction in our mortality rates remains elusive; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners recognizes its responsibility to lead in ensuring that every child born in Guilford County has the best possible chance to thrive and wishes to add its voice to the collaborative work occurring in the community to help amplify resources and advocacy for improved outcome...
Click here for full text