Richland County's infant mortality rates show improvement; health officials say there's still more to be done


To combat rising infant mortality rates, rural Richland County’s public health officials began a program to meet the needs of new and soon-to-be moms. The program provides maternal and infant care education as well as ensuring pregnant women have their basic needs met. One priority is making sure women get to their doctor’s appointments and have the transportation to do so. New moms receive a home visit from a public health nurse who delivers a portable crib along with information about infant care and safe sleep habits. The county hasn’t recorded a sleep-related death since starting the program.

Related Stories