| September 20, 2006 – Alabama’s rising infant mortality rate is a red alert for our state. Alabama’s babies are dying at a higher rate than in the past three years, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Center for Health Statistics. The center released its report earlier today citing 9.3 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in Alabama. The increase in infant mortality represents 45 additional babies who lost their lives – and families who suffered loss. Half of Alabama’s increase in infant mortality is among infants born weighing less than 1 pound, 1 ˝ ounce – or about the size of a bottle of water.
“The infant mortality rate is universally recognized as a leading indicator of a community’s health status. A rise in infant deaths should be a call to action for Alabama,” said Dr. Russell Kirby, Board Chairman of the Alabama Chapter of the March of Dimes.
The volunteers and staff of the Alabama Chapter of the March of Dimes urge Governor Bob Riley and State Health Officer Dr. Don Williamson to convene an infant mortality task force. “Alabama is home to national leaders in maternal and fetal medicine and neonatology. Let’s use this red alert as an opportunity to bring together these great minds to find solutions to the issues that are jeopardizing the health of our children,” said Dr. Patrick Ramsey, March of Dimes Prematurity Campaign Chairman.
Alabama’s low birthweight infants are 22 times more likely to die in their first year of life than those born full term, according to the report. Not only do low birthweight and premature babies cause heartache for those directly affected, they cause a major financial strain on the community as a whole.
“Everyone is affected by premaurity in some way – families, businesses, schools, health professionals, the nation as a whole,” said Tom Oliver, incoming Board Chairman of the Alabama Chapter of the March of Dimes. “Everyone must help because when our babies are in danger, a united and zealous response is called for.”
The March of Dimes is a national voluntary health agency whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. Founded in 1938, the March of Dimes funds programs of research, community services, education, and advocacy to save babies and in 2003 launched a five-year campaign to address the increasing rate of premature birth. Currently, the March of Dimes has more than $927,000 invested in Alabama community programs and research projects. For more information, visit the March of Dimes Spanish Web site at www.nacersano.org <http://www.nacersano.org> or its English website at www.marchofdimes.com <http://www.marchofdimes.com>.
- 30 - |
