The Oklahoma State Department of Health is officially recognizing September as Infant Mortality Awareness Month and remains committed to continually highlight the improvements made in lowering Oklahoma’s infant mortality rate.
IMR is defined as the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births. The current IMR in Oklahoma is 7.4, which remains above the national average of 5.9. OSDH and their public health partners have made continual efforts to drive down the IMR and improve overall maternal and infant health. A statewide initiative launched in 2009 works to positively impact factors that contribute to lower infant mortality in Oklahoma.
Joyce Marshall, Maternal and Child Health Service director at OSDH says “It is important to recognize that each of us has a role in promoting healthy outcomes for Oklahoma mothers and babies.”
As Oklahoma’s IMR continues to decline, premature births are still a leading cause of infant mortality and morbidity. At 10.3 percent, Oklahoma ranked 41st in the percentage of premature births in 2014. Premature birth is defined as a birth occurring before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Babies born prematurely may experience difficulties after birth including breathing problems, feeding difficulties, trouble staying warm and low blood sugar.