Michigan has a high infant mortality rate -- especially among African American babies. The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has launched a website that will provide resources and information about infant mortality.
Seven out of every 1000 babies born in Michigan won't see their first birthday. The African American infant mortality rate is twice as high.
Angela Minicuci with the MDCH says there are a variety of factors -- income, housing, education, employment -- that contribute to infant mortality rates.
"We're seeing that a lot of families just don't have the resources or don't know where to turn to get information they need on impacting those factors," she said.
The website is part of the eight-step Infant Mortality Reduction Plan launched by the MDCH in August 2012.
"This website provides a place for families and providers to go online to find information about safe practices, access to care, access to food and nutrition, family planning services and much more," Minicuci said. "It's a place where mothers, fathers and caregivers can go to receive information to make sure that the babies being born in their families have a healthy start in life."
-Sarah Kerson, Michigan Radio Newsroom
