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Like most states, Florida has been effective in lowering the overall infant mortality rates from 14.6 per 1000 live births in 1980 to 7.0 per 1000 live births in 2004, in part by improving the survival of LBW (Low Birth Weight) infants. However, we still experience the same disparity in outcomes that is evident nationwide. According to the National Center for Health Statistics in 1999, lowest infant mortality rates were seen in Chinese and Japanese populations with the highest rates seen in the non-Hispanic black population. Despite the decline in the overall infant mortality in general and the African American infant mortality in particular, African American babies continue to die at a higher rate than white babies do in Florida and the nation.
For infants of black mothers in 2004, the incidence of low birth weight infants was nearly twice that of white mothers. In Florida, as well as nationally, reducing the incidence of low birth weight continues to be a challenge. There is much research focused on determining the root causes of low birth weight for all populations, especially those with the greatest disparities. Our mission together is to assure that all of our families have the best health outcomes possible. |
Data and Statistics |
