Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #107277

Juanita Carol Graham, MSN RN and Vernesia Wilson, MPH. Health Services Data Unit, Mississippi Department of Health, 570 E Woodrow Wilson, Room A-118, PO Box 1700, Jackson, MS 39215-1700, 601-576-8109, juanita.graham@msdh.state.ms.us

Background: Considerable disparity exists between white and African American infant mortality in Mississippi and greatly affects the health of the state. The Closing the Gap on Infant Mortality: African American-Focused Risk Reduction program is designed to accelerate the rate of change among African American populations and reduce significant disparity in infant mortality for African Americans related to low birthweight, preterm birth and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Methods: A combination of medicinal, behavioral, educational, and service system enhancement risk reduction interventions are being implemented in two target areas of the state. The pilot communities are a five-county Delta area including Bolivar, Coahoma, Leflore, Sunflower, and Washington Counties and the three-county Jackson Metropolitan area including Hinds, Madison, and Rankin Counties. Interventions are primarily geared towards eliminating disparities by maximizing access to pregnancy and interpregnancy care and examining trends in fetal, infant, and maternal mortality. Results: Implementation activities are underway and preliminary findings will be disseminated via this poster session. Obstacles and barriers to access for Mississippi mothers and infants will be discussed. Conclusions: A description of evidence-based interventions will be provided in conjunction with evaluation of their appropriateness and successfulness among Mississippi mothers and infants. Public Health Implications: The health of mothers and infants is of critical importance, both as a reflection of the current health status of the state and as a predictor of health for future generations.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, the participant(s) will be able to

• Describe the disparities which exist for African American Mississippi infant mortality in terms of prematurity, low birthweight, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
• Identify the program pilot communities and criteria for selection.
• Discuss various interventions and collaborations being implemented to address prematurity, low birthweight, and SIDS.

Keywords: Prenatal Interventions, Low Birthweight

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.