For Immediate Release Contact: John Truscott

August 21, 1996 (517) 335-6397

Michigan's infant mortality rate in 1995 was 8.3 deaths per 1,000 live births, 3.5% lower than the rate of 8.6 in 1994, Governor John Engler announced today. Figures from the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) show that the 1995 decline is the sixth consecutive year the rate has dropped.

Between 1992 and 1995, the rate declined 18.6%, a greater drop than the 15.7% decline during the 10 previous years.

"This is tremendous news," said Governor Engler. "This continues as one of the top priorities of MDCH. Solid programs, collaboration with local health departments, and good strategic planning are paying off in fewer infant deaths."

The continued decline is partly attributed to fewer deaths due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), which dropped 11.4% from 1994. New information about the care of newborns is believed to aid in preventing SIDS. Efforts to educate physicians and new mothers recommend laying healthy infants on their side and back to sleep. Research has indicated that this simple practice may aid in SIDS prevention.

Also, there were 8.6% fewer extremely low birth weight babies than a year ago. Another factor, adequate prenatal care, increased from 74.3% of mothers in 1994 to 75.1% in 1995. Only 9.1% of mothers received inadequate prenatal care last year, down from 9.4% in 1994.

"We still have a significant amount of work to do," said MDCH Director James K. Haveman, Jr. "The mortality rate among black infants is still a concern and will remain a priority." Black infant mortality fell to a rate of 17.3 last year, dropping from 18.2 in 1994, a decline of 4.9%.

Infant deaths in Michigan totalled 1,110 in 1995, compared with 1,184 in 1994. Infant mortality is the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births.