BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Alabama’s infant mortality rate dropped from 7.8 to 7.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.
The decline represents progress in keeping more babies alive through their first year, health officials said.
“I do think it is all the programs working together… and the partners we collaborate with…and everyone in the state working together,” said Katie Campbell, perinatal health division director for ADPH.
Programs driving the improvement
Campbell oversees initiatives behind the state’s improvement, including prenatal telehealth visits in rural areas, “well woman” clinics that support health before, during and after pregnancy, and review teams who study every infant death to identify preventable factors.
“I think that education and outreach and review is hopefully having a lasting effect on the numbers that we see,” Campbell said.
The drop includes Black infants, a group that has historically experienced higher infant mortality rates.
Safe sleep education efforts
ADPH is pushing safe-sleep education, providing about 4,000 free cribs in recent years and promoting the “Clear the Crib” campaign to reinforce the ABCs of safe sleep: A-alone, B-back, C-crib.
Campbell said the focus remains reaching more families earlier.
“Continuing with the programs we have… collaborating with partners… and doing the best we can to reach those communities and share the education awareness,” Campbell said.
Campbell points families to the “Count the Kicks” app, a tool ADPH says can help expectant mothers track baby movement and spot potential problems earlier.
Alabama remains above the national average for infant mortality. Health leaders are urging everyone to learn about available resources and share that information with others.
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