Oakland County's overall infant mortality rate continues to be lower than statewide averages.
However, there are still reasons for concern. Information shows that babies born to African American mothers are three times more likely to die in the first year of life than those born to Caucasian (white) mothers in Oakland County. This disparity is most noticeable in the cities of Pontiac and Southfield, where African American infant death rates are the highest.
Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Team
Oakland County's Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Review Team reviews all infant death cases that occur in the cities of Pontiac and Southfield.
More findings about infant mortality are included in the reports below:
2006 Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Report (file size 2.5 mb)- Executive Summary for the 2006 FIMR Report (file size 849 k)
Issues that relate to Infant Mortality
The FIMR team identified five major areas that likely contribute to infant mortality cases in Oakland County.
Prematurity Infection
Nutrition Smoking
Unsafe Sleep Arrangements & Positional Asphyxia
Reduce infant mortality during life stages
The likelihood of a healthy pregnancy and baby increases through education and access to health services during the following life stages.
- Before or between pregnancies (Interconceptual)
- During Pregnancy
- Birth to One year
Presentations about topics related to infant mortality prevention, including: the benefits of breastfeeding, safe sleep, and baby safety for teens.