African Americans: Twice as Likely to Have Low Birth Weight Babies in Berrien County

Having celebrated February as African American History Month, it is important to look back on accomplishments. However, at the health department it is also important to look forward for improvements that can be made for the African American community, especially as it relates to health in Berrien County.

Although many civil rights improvements have been made in the past century, there remain areas where African Americans are still suffering from inequalities, and one of these areas is health.

Racial and socio-economic disparities (differences) in health of people in the US, including people in Berrien County, are shocking and unacceptable. Disparities in health status in Berrien County as well as the rest of the country take many forms, and affect people of color as well as people with lower incomes.

There are many health conditions that show disparity in Berrien County, but one of the most notable is infant mortality.

Babies born to black mothers in Berrien County are twice as likely to be born at a low birth weight as those born to white mothers, which can lead to serious complications, including the death of an infant. Disparities in infant mortality (death before the age of one year) have been well-documented, and several programs have been started in Berrien County to address this tragedy.

http://www.nilesstar.com/2011/03/06/health-remains-an-area-in-need-of-improvement-and-equality/