Infant Mortality
All babies deserve the chance to thrive.
About the initiative
We established the Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative in 2013 to address the disproportionately high rates of infant death in portions of St. Louis and the six counties that make up Missouri’s Bootheel. Through the use of a systems change framework, we are actively engaging community members in the planning and implementation of equity-focused strategies.
Why it matters
The United States is a dangerous place to be a newborn. For Black families and families living in rural areas, it’s even more deadly. Between 2002 and 2012, more than 6,200 Missouri babies died before their first birthday. One-third of those deaths occurred in the Bootheel and St. Louis alone. Even more alarming are the increasing disparity gaps, resulting in Black babies dying at rates three-times higher than white babies.
Infant mortality is a complex issue, influenced by a variety of factors, including structural racism and lack of access to culturally-competent care.
How we’re changing things
We are supporting partners who are leading collaborative efforts in their communities to identify and implement solutions. By bringing everyone to the table, we are developing new relationships, strengthening networks, and building community power.
The result? A better future for Missouri’s tiniest citizens.
Meet our IMRI partners
Bootheel Babies & Families
Bootheel Babies & Families supports, educates, and empowers families and community partners to improve maternal and child outcomes, enabling families to thrive.
Generate Health
Generate Health builds collective power to advocate for racially equitable policies and practices that center, support, and celebrate Black families throughout their pregnancy and parenthood journeys.
Our partners are joining forces to address the complex causes of infant mortality.
600
Infants
die every year on average in Missouri.
33%
of infant deaths
in the state of Missouri occur in St. Louis or the Bootheel.
$180
millions
in taxpayer money is spent yearly on premature births in Missouri.
2
community-based backbone organizations help lead the initiative.
Get in Touch
Reach out to one of our grantee contacts for more information.
