The Sun Sentinel has begun a series that looks at Florida’s high infant mortality rate – “Born to Die.”
- Over the past decade, Escambia County has averaged one infant dying every 12 days before the baby reaches its first birthday. The racial split is nearly even: White 39% Black 49% Other 12%
The Sun Sentinel reported that a recent state report found the most common causes of infant deaths in Florida in 2022 were:
- Congenital malformations such as spina bifida and neural tube defects;
- Unintentional injuries like drowning or suffocation;
- Disorders related to preterm birth or low birthweight;
- Maternal complications of pregnancy;
- Complications of placenta, cord and membrane;
- Bacterial sepsis; and
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
Why this matters: We need to focus on how to help mothers before and during pregnancy.
The Escambia Children’s Trust has allocated nearly half of its $10 million budget for after-school programs and another million to helping kids in the juvenile justice system, but nothing to pilot programs to reduce infant mortality and low birth rates.
- According to the staff’s 2024 Report Indicator Card, the infant mortality has risen to 8.3 per 1,000 birth – state rate 6.0; national rate 5.6.
- Low birth rate is 11.8% – sixth highest in the state. The state percentage is 9.1%
The Trust needs a more balanced approach to its funding.
Featured Photo by Ryan Riggins on Unsplash