* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill R
(Resolution)
Introduced by: Councilmember Stokes
A Resolution Entitled
A Council Resolution concerning
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Investigative Hearing - Increased Infant Mortality Rate
For the purpose of calling on the Health Commissioner to appear before the City Council to discuss the troubling recent increase in Baltimore’s infant mortality rate and what steps can be taken to continue reducing infant mortality in Baltimore City.
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Recitals
For many years now, Baltimore has had the sad distinction of having a infant mortality rate significantly higher than both the Maryland and national averages. In recent years, this rate has fallen significantly. However, 2017 unfortunately saw a reversal of this positive trend.
In 2009 Baltimore experienced a record high 27 infant sleep-related deaths. That same year, the Baltimore City Health Department and its partners launched a concerted effort to save more infant lives and eliminate sleep-related deaths known as “B’more for Healthy Babies”. This program stresses the A-B-C-D method to healthy sleep - Alone. Back. Crib. Don’t Smoke. - and has led to a dramatic decrease in the number of infant deaths.
In 2015 Baltimore recorded its lowest ever infant mortality rate of 8.4 per 1000 live births, a 38% decline from 2009. And 2016’s 7 sleep-related infant deaths were also a record low. Last year though had already seen 12 sleep-related infant deaths in Baltimore City by mid-December.
It is hoped that the increase in deaths last year was simply a tragic one-time event rather than the start of a new negative trend. But even 1 preventable infant death in Baltimore City is 1 too many, and it is important not to let recent successes allow us to become complacent. The causes of the increase in infant mortality last year need to be throughly examined so that lessons can be learned and Baltimore can continue to move toward eliminating sleep-related infant deaths and holding down overall infant mortality in our community.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of Baltimore, That the Council calls on the Health Commissioner to appear before it to discuss the troubling recent increase in Baltimore’s infant mortality rate and what steps can be taken to continue reducing infant mortality in Baltimore City.
And be it further resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the Mayor, the Health Commissioner, and the Mayor’s Legislative Liaison to the City Council.