A partnership between South Carolina Department of Public Health and South Carolina State University
South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH)
Infant mortality, defined as the death of a live-born baby before its first birthday, is a reflection of the overall state of a population’s health. The infant mortality rate (IMR) is the number of babies who die within the first year of life per 1,000 live births. In the United States (US), the IMR is recognized as a leading health indicator and its reduction is a high-priority Healthy People 2030 objective.1 The South Carolina Department of Public Health monitors the IMR and administers programs aimed at improving the health of mothers, babies, and families across the state. In 2021, there were 416 infants who died during the first year of life. While the US IMR has been declining over the past several years, 2 SC’s rate increased 12.3% from 6.5 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2020 to 7.3 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2021. In 2022, there were 364 infant deaths in SC, and more than half of the deaths were African- American babies (10.8 deaths per 1,000 live births).
South Carolina State University (SCSU)
To address the pressing health disparity of infant and maternal mortality in the state of South Carolina, we propose using a community led approach through education and activities lead by community -focused organizations, such as churches, divine nine groups, professional organizations, and HBCUs in the state of South Carolina. These community-focused organizations will deliver information and programs that would aid in the decreasing the infant and maternal mortality rates across the state. Also, each organization will have the opportunity to apply for community grants to lead applicable Infant and Maternal Mortality (I.M.M) activities.
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Infant and Maternal Mortality (I.M.M) PROJECT
Utilizing DPH and SCSU established relationships, the team will identify and engage Minority Serving Organizations (MSO) to lead community-based efforts to include community baby showers, conducting education webinars/presentations, large community gatherings for screening of related I.M.M. documentaries, community conversations, and action plans.