November 01, 2023
The national infant mortality rate rose 3 percent from 2021 to 2022, representing the first year-to-year increase since 2002, according to a new CDC report.
The report from the agency’s National Center for Health Statistics is the latest to call attention to a growing public health concern across the U.S. It’s estimated there were 20,538 birth/infant deaths during 2022, per provisional data.
Here’s what you need to know:
In a statement, Sandy L. Chung, MD, FAAP, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, noted the need to address social determinants of health (access to healthy food and prenatal health care) and racial and ethnic disparities that are among the “many possible reasons for lower birth weights of babies and sometimes, infant deaths.”
HAP and Pennsylvania hospitals are dedicated to supporting infant and maternal health. This includes a focus on population health and participation in initiatives that are dedicated to improving outcomes across the commonwealth.
The CDC report is available online.
Tags: Access to Care | Public Health | Health disparities | Women's Health
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