Immediate

Study finds Dallas infant mortality rates below national average Parkland program reinforces importance of prenatal care and education

DALLAS (Nov. 9, 2009) - Infant mortality rates in Dallas County have continued to stay at or below the national average since 1996, according to a recent study by Parkland, the Dallas Healthy Start Consortium and the University of Texas School of Public Health Dallas Regional Campus. Results suggest that improvements in death rates associated with neonatal care and infant health may have been achieved through improved neonatal intensive care and reductions in sudden infant death rate. The analysis covered the time period of 2000 to 2004 and showed the national average at 6.9 infant deaths per 1,000 births. Specifically, infant mortality rates among black non-Hispanics are lower in Dallas County compared with national data, although the disparity problem is far from resolved. Titled The Perinatal Periods of Risk, the analysis is used to show specific patterns of mortality among the causes of infant death, finding potential solutions that are evidence-based and targeted to local problems. During the first phase of the study there were four mortality components examined and compared, including the mother's health at the start of pregnancy, care during pregnancy, newborn care and infant health in the first year of life. Each component contributes to fetal and infant death rates, but at different rates across the county. "Education is key in addressing the issue of infant deaths," said Eulalia Gillum Roberson, community programs manager, Dallas Healthy Start. "Preconception health, early prenatal care, knowing the warning signs of preterm births, car seat safety and parenting education can all assist in preventing babies from dying." Next steps include conducting a second phase that will explore the reasons behind excess mortality and create targeted interventions. The mission of Dallas Healthy Start, a Parkland program, is to improve perinatal outcomes, reduce infant mortality and pre-term (low birthweight) births by decreasing health disparities in targeted areas of Dallas. For more information or to read the complete study, visit www.parklandhospital.com and look for the Dallas Healthy Start tab.

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For Further Information Contact: Candace White 214.590.8054