Strategic Partnership to Reduce Infant Mortality Trends
The Strategic Partnership to Reduce Infant Mortality Trends (referred to as the SPIRIT Initiative) brings together Greater Philadelphia community members across diverse professions, backgrounds, and lived experience with perinatal health issues to address real-world challenges that contribute to infant mortality.
“My symptoms weren’t taken seriously.”
“I was stressed trying to find mental health support.”
“I felt I had no choice but to travel for better services during my pregnancy.”
The United States has the highest infant and maternal mortality rates out of any other high-income country and simultaneously spends the most on health care. Data shows that in Chester County, Pennsyvlania, Black infants are 4x more likely to die before their first birthday compared to White infants (PPOR Analysis, 2022).
Ample research shows that racial disparities in infant mortality are driven by a combination of systemic racism, social and economic inequalities, disparities in healthcare, and gaps in education and social support. Addressing these root causes requires a collaborative approach that focuses on creating equal opportunities and resources for all families, improving healthcare access, and tackling systemic biases.
What is Infant Mortality?
According to the CDC, infant mortality refers to the death of a baby before their first birthday.
How SPIRIT started
MCHC’s SPIRIT Initiative was inspired by insights derived from the Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) framework. Developed in 2004 by the World Health Organization, the PPOR framework provides a structured approach for collecting data and developing strategies to address the factors within a community that contribute to disparities in infant mortality.
Since its inception, the PPOR framework has been used across the United States to guide communities in their efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
- Project Phase 1: Determine the “period of risk” in which the most babies are dying in Chester County. The “Maternal Health/Prematurity” period is the highest risk period in Chester County.
- Project Phase 2: Identifed the factors that contribute to deaths in the highest period of risk: limited prenatal and behavioral health resources, lack of awareness of county resources, and patient-provider relationship dynamics.
- Project Phase 3: Develop a community action plan with allied organizations and community members.
- Project Phase 4: Implement the community action plan and track progress.
Community Action Plan Goals
- Cultivate relationships and trust among Black and African American families.
- Support and advocate for the mental well-being of birthing people and their partners.
- Educate birthing people on how to advocate for themselves during the perinatal period.
- Support diversity in the health care workforce.
- Enhance coordination of health and social services.
Ways to Get Involved
- Spread the word. Follow MCHC on social media, like and share posts about the project.
- Refer clients to our team.
- Meet with participating organizations at our quarterly stakeholder events.
Contact
Alma Vidal, Director of Programs, avidal@ccmchc.org
Yazzy Alston, SPIRIT Project Coordinator, yalston@ccmchc.org
Community Action Plan
With an intentional approach to building health equity, we’re committed to ensuring every child and parent has an equal chance at healthy life.
2024 Project Update
Recent data from Chester County reveals positive trends in infant mortality rates among both Black and White populations over the past two decades.