Announcement
Infant Mortality Tied to Women's Health
September 11, 2007

Two important issues, infant mortality and women's health, are closely linked together.  

Infant mortality is the term for when a baby dies before his or her first birthday.  In Franklin County, 145 babies die each year before reaching their first birthday (2003-2005 average).  That is almost three babies each week.  

There are many important factors in infant health, including the health of the mother - even before becoming pregnant.

Reducing Infant Mortality Starts with Women’s Health

• Aim for Good Health Before Getting Pregnant (Preconception Care)
• Get Early and Regular Prenatal Care  
• 9 Questions to Ask Before Getting Pregnant

Once Baby Is Here, Take Steps for A Healthy and Safe Baby

• Safe Sleep for Your Infant
• Keep Your Child Away from Tobacco Smoke (Secondhand Smoke)
• Use a Car Seat and Make Sure It’s Installed Correctly
• Know How to Safely Medicate Your Child

Council on Healthy Mothers and Babies

In the early 1990’s, several organizations became very concerned about the rising infant mortality rates in Franklin County and formed the Council on Healthy Mothers and Babies (COHMAB). Since then, the COHMAB has been working hard to reduce infant mortality by educating service providers and the community about issues affecting infant mortality.

More about the Council on Healthy Mothers and Babies

Link to Services

• COAT
• Pregnancy Care Connection
• Women's Health Center: Gynecology 
• Women's Health Center: Prenatal Care 
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program

Reports & Resources  

• Women’s Health Report, 2005 
• Franklin County Child Fatality Review Annual Report  
• Top 10 Ways for Healthier, Safer Children (Spanish and Somali) 

More Quick Links

• National Institutes of Health - National Research
• National Infant Mortality Awareness Campaign, The National Healthy Start Association