The Ohio Department of Health delivered the 2018 Infant Mortality Report on Feb. 25, 2020 which highlights important progress towards reducing infant mortality.

In 2018, Ohio’s overall infant mortality rate fell to 6.9 from 7.2 in 2017 (infant deaths per 1,000 live births). The rate among black infants fell to 13.9 in 2018 from 15.6 in 2017. However, the Ohio and national goal is 6.0 or fewer in every racial and ethnic group. Additionally, racial inequities persist, with the black infant mortality rate in 2018 being 2.6 times that of the white infant mortality rate.

Ohio identified infant mortality as a priority in its 2017-2019 State Health Improvement Plan. Infant mortality is the death of an infant before his or her first birthday. The infant mortality rate is the number of infant deaths per 1,000 live births. The infant mortality rate not only serves as a key indicator of maternal and infant health but is also an important measure of the health status of a community.

OHA's president and CEO Mike Abrams provided this statement:

“Today’s report shows Ohio’s collaborative efforts are improving the health outcomes for the youngest Ohioan,” said Mike Abrams, president and CEO, Ohio Hospital Association. “OHA and Ohio hospitals are leading initiatives promoting infant safe sleep practices, breastfeeding and eliminating racial disparities in infant health outcomes. We are encouraged by the collective efforts of our partners to bring resources and services to our communities, and we will continue to collaborate to ensure the health of all moms and babies in Ohio.”

For more information on OHA's efforts to reduce infant mortality, click here.

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