Improving systems to prevent infant mortality
Preparation and Prevention
Addressing the Leading Causes of Infant Mortality
Infant mortality is the death of an infant before his or her first birthday. The infant mortality rate (IMR) reflects the health and well-being of a nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 20,500 infants died in the United States in 2022. In the U.S., the IMR increased 3.1% from 543.6 infant deaths per 100,000 live births in 2021 to 560.4.
The five leading causes of infant death in 2022 were:
- Birth defects.
- Preterm birth and low birth weight.
- Sudden infant death syndrome.
- Unintentional injuries (e.g., car crashes).
- Maternal pregnancy complications.
SOURCE: National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP); Division of Reproductive Health
One of the difficulties in addressing this crisis has been the multitude of factors that influence it, including access to appropriate levels of care; maternal health; the social determinants of health, such as income and race, between populations and regions; and pregnancy planning, among others.
NICHQ INitiatives
Our Work to Reduce Infant Mortality
NICHQ’s work includes several project-related initiatives dedicated to to reduce infant mortality and improve infant health outcomes for all.
Spread the Word
Celebrate Day 366…Every Baby Deserves a Chance
The National Healthy Start Association’s annual campaign, in recognition of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month, is a call to action to improve the health and well-being of women, infants, children, and families to ensure all babies can celebrate their first birthdays. Throughout September, Healthy Start projects and other organizations concerned with the issue and importance of infant mortality recognize NIMAM.
Infant Mortality Awareness Month Toolkit
Spread awareness with a collection of campaign materials
Publications
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Save the Date
Weekly Observances
Five distinct weeks are celebrated during Breastfeeding Awareness Month.
NICHQ BLOGS
Reading List for National Infant Mortality Awareness Month
Read a selection of blogs from NICHQ to learn strategies for improving maternal and infant health outcomes and preventing infant mortality.
NICHQ News
Stay in the Loop
Get information on observances like National Infant Mortality Awareness Month and other NICHQ news delivered directly to your inbox.
Additional Articles & Resources
State Perinatal Quality Collaboratives
List of PQCs funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The Power of PQCs
Video showing the impact that PQCs have on the communities they serve. Produced by the NNPQC.
PQCs in the News
Articles in news outlets covering state PQCs, their activities, and the people that work in the collaboratives.
Patient Safety Bundles
From the Alliance for Innovation on Maternal Health. PSBs are collections of evidence-informed best practices that address clinically specific conditions in pregnant and postpartum people. The NNPQC helps provide TA and support to PQCs in adopting the core AIM Perinatal Mental Health Bundle.
Perinatal Quality Collaboratives
The CDC’s landing page for PQCs, including helpful infographics, videos, and links to help explain what PQCs are, how they work, and stories, learnings, and publications that have come out of the state PQCs.