FORT WAYNE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Healthier Moms and Babies released the 2023 Allen County Infant Mortality Report, which explores the mental, physical, social and financial determinants that contribute to infant mortality in our community.Healthier Moms & Babies is a nonprofit that promotes the health and safety of moms and babies by reducing infant mortality rates and improving the outcome of pregnancies.
The report showed Allen County had an infant mortality rate of 6.9 for every 1,000 births – an increase bringing Indiana’s infant mortality rate of 6.6. The national rate of 5.4.
The report also looked at some key areas when it came to our modern families. It shows that parents struggle with mental health and often neglect regular healthcare.
Read the full report here
Representatives released the following on Monday:
Healthier Moms and Babies released the 2023 Allen County Infant Mortality Report, which explores the mental, physical, social and financial determinants that contribute to infant mortality in our community.
“For every 1,000 babies born in Allen County, 6 infants die before their first birthdays,” said Paige Wilkins, Executive Director. “Even one is too many—and the statistics are worse for Black residents of Allen County, with 15 infant deaths before their first birthdays for every 1,000 births. We have an obligation to provide programs, education and resources that help our littlest community members and their families lead healthy, happy lives.”
The study reveals four key takeaways:
• Parents struggle with mental health
• Families neglect regular healthcare
• Best practices are often misunderstood
• Families encounter economic struggles
Healthier Moms and Babies partnered with Purdue University Fort Wayne Community Research Institute (CRI) to create the survey.
As a result of this study, Healthier Moms and Babies is committed to:
• Re-establishing an infant mortality community action network.
• Promoting safe medication use, especially during pregnancy.
• Destigmatizing maternal mental health.
• Doubling-down on safe sleep education through a two-pronged approach.
• Improving use of kick counts.
• Increasing screenings for domestic violence.
“We are committed to championing and advocating on behalf of moms, babies and families. We will continue to convene our community’s funders, healthcare providers and social service agencies to share and act upon the crucial information in this report,” said Wilkins.
