HPIO fact sheet outlines actions needed to eliminate racial disparities in infant mortality

HPIO has released a new fact sheet titled “Taking action: Eliminating racial disparities in infant mortality.”

The fact sheet highlights that, “For many years, Ohio’s infant mortality rate has been higher than most other states... Ohio’s policymakers and health leaders have acted on this issue through multiple advisory committees, collaborative efforts, investments, legislation and other policy changes.”

In December 2020, Gov. Mike DeWine announced the creation of a new task force focused on eliminating racial disparities in infant mortality by 2030. The task force will host listening sessions in 11 counties, providing an opportunity for members to learn about promising programs, evaluation results and barriers to improving maternal and infant health for Black families.

The fact sheet includes troubling infant mortality disparities data and information on what can drive change and move Ohio forward. It highlights three action steps that are needed to eliminate racial disparities in infant mortality. Future efforts must:

• Dismantle racism and address its consequences
• Improve health across the life course, not just pregnancy
• Maintain improvements in access to clinical care, while also advancing meaningful policy changes to improve community conditions