Infant Mortality Awareness
Governor Tim Walz proclaimed the week of September 20-26, 2020 as: Infant Mortality Awareness Week.
Infant Mortality Awareness Week Proclamation (PDF)
Proclamation
WHEREAS: The State of Minnesota is committed to creating conditions that support optimal health and well-being for all children and their families; and
WHEREAS: The infant mortality rate—the number of infant deaths per 1,000 babies born alive—is an important measure of the health and well-being of a population, and on average, about 350 Minnesota infants die every year, which is enough children to fill almost 16 kindergarten classrooms each fall; and
WHEREAS: Minnesota ranks 14th among the 50 states for rate of infant mortality; and
WHEREAS: Minnesota's overall infant mortality rate of 5.1 deaths per 1,000 live births is lower than the national average, but continued disparities are evident, persistent, and a significant public health issue, especially for African American and American Indian families; and
WHEREAS: Infants born to American Indian and African American mothers have historically died at more than two times the rate of infants born to white mothers; and
WHEREAS: All babies born in Minnesota deserve a healthy start and opportunities to survive, thrive, and develop to their fullest potential; and
WHEREAS: Infant mortality is a multi-factorial, complex societal problem that requires a response from across many sectors and disciplines to address conditions that negatively affect birth outcomes. Maternal health and well-being before, during, and after pregnancy is critical for infant health, and mothers and families need stable and affordable housing, an environment free from toxins, community connections, and job security; and
WHEREAS: Systemic racism and discrimination against African American, American Indian, and other Minnesotans of color directly contributes to inequities in infant mortality; and
WHEREAS: The Minnesota Department of Health and other stakeholders are committed to addressing infant mortality by focusing on pre-conception and inter-conception health, prenatal care access, quality, and social determinants of health; and
WHEREAS: Infant Mortality Awareness Week provides an opportunity for individuals, organizations, government entities, the healthcare system, community partners, and coalitions to promote awareness and education about infant mortality.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, TIM WALZ, Governor of Minnesota, do hereby proclaim the week of September 20-26, 2020 as:
Infant Mortality Awareness Week
In the State of Minnesota.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Minnesota to be affixed at the State Capitol this 11th day of September.
