High Rate Of Deaths Among Black Children Has Sacramento County Concerned
SACRAMENTO COUNTY (CBS13) — Startling statistics in Sacramento County shows African-American babies are dying at twice the rate of other children.
Health experts say that mortality rate could be decreased with a little bit of awareness.
Linda Fong-Somera with First 5 Sacramento says the mission at the Oak Park Community Center on Tuesday was simple: reduce the African-American childhood mortality rate.
"That's where we're seeing the hugest disparity," she said. "We want to do our part of turn the tide."
County health officials say between 2010 and 2012, African-American children composed of 11 percent of the county's child population and made up 24 percent of all child deaths. That's twice the rate of other children.
"There's a whole host of issues; I don't think it's down to one particular reason," she said.
The three leading causes are child abuse, sleep-related deaths such as sudden infant death syndrome, and poor lifestyle choices of young pregnant moms.
Brandy Fulcher says she reduced her risk by getting involved with the county's health baby campaign. She learned how to make healthier choices for her 3-month-old baby.
"It was a real help," she said.
