The leading causes of infant death in the United States and in Washington state include birth defects, SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and disorders related to premature births and infants with low birth weights. After declining for 50 years (from 1900 to 1950), the number of children who die before their fifth birthday has risen every year since 2000. And, infant mortality rates for African Americans and American Indians have remained substantially higher than those of other races.

The YWCA’s Infant Mortality Prevention program (IMP) provides:

• Education
• Casework and advocacy services for women and families
• Assistance and support in linking clients to health care, social services and chemical dependency treatment
• Access to basic needs such as shelter, food, clothes and transportation
• Family support and follow-up until the child reaches one year of age

IMP is part of the Infant Mortality Prevention Network, a partnership of eight agencies funded through a contract with Public Health – Seattle & King County. For more information, contact Patricia Hampton at (206) 436-8667.