Authorizing the Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to investigate the emergence of infant mortality as an epidemic in Philadelphia, the causes of infant mortality; the racial and ethnic disparities in the prevalence of infant mortality; and to evaluate infant mortality prevention and reduction initiatives in order to reduce the rates of infant mortality.

WHEREAS

, The health of women, infants and children is an important reflection of the health of a nation and a predictor of the health of future generations; and

WHEREAS

, While infant mortality rates have improved dramatically over the last century, geographic and racial/ethnic disparities persist; and

WHEREAS

, The African American infant mortality rate in Philadelphia ranks among the highest in the nation; and

WHEREAS

, 286 infant deaths were documented in Philadelphia in 2007, with 189 of those deaths to African American families; and

WHEREAS

, The infant mortality rate among African American infants in Philadelphia for 2007 was 16.5 compared with the state rate, which includes all races, of 7.5; and

WHEREAS

, The infant mortality rate among Caucasian infants in Philadelphia for 2007 was 9.5 compared to the state rate, which includes all races, of 7.5; and

WHEREAS

, The most common cause for infant mortality in Philadelphia is preterm births; and

WHEREAS

, Food insecurity, poor housing, low educational attainment, and stress impact maternal and infant well-being; and

WHEREAS

, A woman's health status and lifestyle behaviors such as poor nutrition, obesity, cigarette smoking and drug and alcohol use can contribute to preterm births; and

WHEREAS

, Philadelphia is committed to decreasing the infant mortality rate in the City; and

WHEREAS

, Philadelphia is committed to utilizing funding for programs to provide essential prenatal care and education to women who may otherwise lack access to services; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA,

That City Council's Committee on Public Health and Human Services to hold hearings to investigate the emergence of infant mortality as an epidemic, the causes of infant mortality; the racial and ethnic disparities in the prevalence of infant mortality; and to evaluate infant mortality prevention and reduction initiatives in order to reduce the rates of infant mortality.

End