Karen Burkes, Director of State Operated Healthcare Facilities | North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Karen Burkes, Director of State Operated Healthcare Facilities | North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
The North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force Report for 2023 reveals a significant disparity in infant mortality rates among different racial and ethnic groups. The data indicates that non-Hispanic Black and American Indian children face higher mortality rates compared to other groups. In 2023, the situation worsened, with Black infants dying at rates three times higher than white infants. North Carolina ranks as the state with the 10th highest infant mortality rate in the nation, underscoring the urgent need for intervention by the Department of Health and Human Services.
"All babies born in North Carolina deserve a healthy start to life," stated NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "We are committed to ensuring women and families have the care and support they need prior to, during, and after pregnancy, no matter where they live or how much money they make."
The NCDHHS has introduced an updated NC Perinatal Health Strategic Plan aimed at improving maternal health and birth outcomes. Recent achievements include paid parental leave for state employees, Medicaid reimbursement for group prenatal care, and increased postpartum healthcare coverage for NC Medicaid beneficiaries. The Healthy Opportunity Pilots initiative addresses non-medical health drivers such as housing, food, and transportation.
Medicaid Expansion is also contributing positively to health outcomes in North Carolina. Since becoming the 41st state to expand Medicaid over a year ago, more than 640,000 individuals have gained healthcare coverage. This expansion facilitates access to essential care leading to healthier pregnancies. Research shows that states with expanded Medicaid experience better maternal and infant outcomes.
Additional findings from the 2023 Infant and Child Mortality Data highlight that:
- The overall infant mortality rate in North Carolina rose slightly from 2022 to 6.9 deaths per 1,000 births.
- Youth suicide rates have increased over two decades; suicide remains a leading cause of death among youth aged 10-18.
- Child homicide rates remain high due to an increase in firearm-related homicides.
NCDHHS collaborates closely with NCDPS and the state's Office of Violence Prevention to tackle rising firearm-related injuries and deaths through initiatives like distributing gun locks via community organizations. The Office of Violence Prevention is expanding community-based violence prevention programs.
"By working together to address and prevent violence as a public health issue, we can create safer communities where our most vulnerable populations – especially infants and children – can thrive," said Dr. Kelly Kimple, Interim State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer. "By offering proven evidence-based solutions like safe gun storage that meet children and families where they are in North Carolina’s communities, we’re working to reverse trends in preventable child fatalities related to violence."
NCDHHS remains dedicated to fostering a healthier environment across North Carolina by ensuring accessible care for all residents when needed.
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