Every newborn enters the world with the unlimited promise and potential of a life yet to be lived. However, alarming research conducted in Utah has revealed that all babies may not have the same chances, particularly those born to African Americans and Pacific Islanders. According to the Utah Department of Health’s Center for Multicultural Health, Pacific Islander infants (those under 12 months) experience about 8.8 deaths out of every 1,000 births, compared to about 4.5 deaths out of every 1,000 births statewide. Utah’s infant mortality rate hasn’t exceeded eight deaths per 1,000 births in over 20 years. In light of these facts, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recently decided to provide over $130,000 over a three-year period to help specialists study mortality rates within various populations in Utah.
Center specialist April Bennett says the information gathered from this process will be used to implement many interventions and outreach programs for minority women. Surveys will be conducted to help expecting mothers identify obstacles that they may experience during pregnancy, such as maternal obesity, smoking, poverty, etc. The ultimate goal is to help them lead better lifestyles.
The number of uninsured in the state has risen in the past 10 years, with Hispanics holding the highest number at 35.7%, compared with only 11.1% of all Utahans. In 2001, 25.8% of Hispanics were uninsured. For uninsured mothers, this means inadequate prenatal care, which can lead to premature labor and put the lives of their infants at risk. Various health department surveys have shown that African Americans have the highest rates of pre-term births of all infants in Utah, one of the underlying issues contributing to a higher infant mortality rate in the state. But, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is determined to make an impact on this issue immediately, starting with studying the contributing factors, such as insufficient insurance and a lack of access to care.
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