Fatherhood Programs and Black Infant Mortality

Abstract

If maternal and infant/children’s health is an indicator of a nation’s progress and development in healthcare, then infant mortality rate (IMR) is a critical statistic in that evaluation, defined as the death of an infant before its first birthday. IMR is a critical point of emphasis in U.S. public health as it is observed at epidemic levels, despite the technological developments and healthcare resources that exist. Particular emphasis on Black infant mortality is reflected in the research, contributing significantly to the average infant mortality rate observed across the board and at all levels. This research uses Kalamazoo as a model for analysis, as it is one of the most critical cities in Michigan for IMR.

Particular emphasis on Black infant mortality is reflected in the research, contributing significantly to the average infant mortality rate observed across the board and at all levels. Infants of color are by far the most vulnerable group when observing infant mortality in the US, racial understanding of racial factors in efforts towards addressing the high average infant mortality rates observed. In Kalamazoo, Michigan’s thirteenth largest city by population, the risk of Black infant mortality is quadruple that of their white neighbors.