News

Actions

Infant Mortality Rates on the Rise for Blacks and Hispanics

Infant Mortality
Posted at 5:13 PM, Jul 21, 2015
and last updated 2015-07-21 14:40:06-04

TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - A report released Tuesday shows that infant mortality rates increased in Black and Hispanic infants. This is despite the fact that infant mortality decreased to the lowest number ever across the State of Florida.

According to the Florida Department of Health, the Vital Statistics Report takes data from birth, life and death records filed within the state.

The report shows, "The infant mortality rate decreased to 6.0 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2014... There were increases in the Hispanic and Black infant mortality rates, 4.4 to 4.9 and 10.6 to 11, respectively."

The Department of Health says they are launching a program called "Florida's Healthy Babies" to reduce disparities in infant mortality.

According to the report, life expectancy also decreased from 79.3 to 79.2 years with the exception of black men and women, and Hispanic women.

You can see the full report by clicking here.