Infant Mortality Rates on the Rise in Arkansas
By: KARK 4 News, Little Rock, AR
Updated: July 25, 2012
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas ranks 35th in the nation when comparing the state's infant mortality rate to other states, that according to the Arkansas Department of Health.
The numbers are even more staggering in the African American community.
A group of African American Sorority Sisters are banning together to reverse the numbers and raise awareness about infant mortality deaths in the black community.
Kafi Hunter, was elated and ready for the next nine months.
"Very excited, I was like okay I'm pregnant."
But severe high blood pressure, would only allow her to carry her baby 22 and a half weeks, she delivered early.
"So basically after that I was able to hold her for about 2 hours."
Michelle Smith, PhD., MPH, Director of Minority Health and Health Disparities said, more and more Arkansas families, particularly in the African American Community, share similar stories, victims of infant mortality deaths and premature births, so to reverse the trend.
"The department of health with the office of minority health and women's health have joined forces to form Sister's United."
A group of members from four African American Sororities that will address issues in the community and raise awareness about infant mortality.
Why a push in the black community?
"Even though African Americans make up 20 percent of total births in Arkansas, they make up 33 percent of the infant deaths, so that means that African American babies are twice as likely to die before reaching their first birthday."
So now the focus for Sisters United - getting moms to get a flu shot, folic acid before pregnancy - breast feeding and safe sleep practices.
Initiatives Kafi Hunter, who happens to be apart of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority -- will
be sharing with others.
"Just to let women know even if you did go through this and you don't have your child you can get through it."
And while she doesn't have Haly here on earth, she knows where she is.
"In heaven, I'll see her again, that's what gives me hope."
The numbers are even more staggering in the African American community.
A group of African American Sorority Sisters are banning together to reverse the numbers and raise awareness about infant mortality deaths in the black community.
Kafi Hunter, was elated and ready for the next nine months.
"Very excited, I was like okay I'm pregnant."
But severe high blood pressure, would only allow her to carry her baby 22 and a half weeks, she delivered early.
"So basically after that I was able to hold her for about 2 hours."
Michelle Smith, PhD., MPH, Director of Minority Health and Health Disparities said, more and more Arkansas families, particularly in the African American Community, share similar stories, victims of infant mortality deaths and premature births, so to reverse the trend.
"The department of health with the office of minority health and women's health have joined forces to form Sister's United."
A group of members from four African American Sororities that will address issues in the community and raise awareness about infant mortality.
Why a push in the black community?
"Even though African Americans make up 20 percent of total births in Arkansas, they make up 33 percent of the infant deaths, so that means that African American babies are twice as likely to die before reaching their first birthday."
So now the focus for Sisters United - getting moms to get a flu shot, folic acid before pregnancy - breast feeding and safe sleep practices.
Initiatives Kafi Hunter, who happens to be apart of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority -- will
be sharing with others.
"Just to let women know even if you did go through this and you don't have your child you can get through it."
And while she doesn't have Haly here on earth, she knows where she is.
"In heaven, I'll see her again, that's what gives me hope."
