Recognizing September 2024 as Infant Mortality Awareness Month and highlighting the ongoing disparities in maternal and infant health in Philadelphia.

Recognizing September 2024 as Infant Mortality Awareness Month and highlighting the ongoing disparities in maternal and infant health in Philadelphia. WHEREAS, Infant mortality is defined as the death of a baby before its first birthday. Despite advancements in medical care, the infant mortality rate in Philadelphia remains alarmingly high, with 8.4 deaths per 1,000 live births compared to the national average 5.8 deaths per 1,000 live births; and WHEREAS, Racial disparities in infant mortality rates persist, with Black infants in Philadelphia dying at rates significantly higher than their white counterparts, due to factors such as low birth weight, preterm births, and inadequate access to healthcare; and WHEREAS, The health of mothers is closely linked to infant mortality outcomes. Philadelphia's maternal mortality rate, particularly among Black women, is one of the highest in the country. From 2013 to 2018, Black women were 43% of all births in the City but tragically accounted for 73% of pregnancy-related deaths; and WHEREAS, Maternal deaths among Black women are disproportionately caused by cardiovascular issues, embolisms, and infections. Through timely intervention and more equitably accessible, high quality healthcare, many of these deaths can be prevented; and WHEREAS, Addressing these crises requires collective action to improve prenatal care, address systemic racism in healthcare, and ensure that all women-especially women of color-receive the support they need duri…