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 latest data from the North Carolina Child Fatality Task Force Report indicates that non-Hispanic Black and American Indian children face higher mortality rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups. In 2023, the situation worsened as Black infants died at rates three times higher than their white counterparts. North Carolina ranked as having the 10th highest infant mortality rate in the nation, underscoring the urgent need for efforts by the Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to ensure children's health.
"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 outlining ongoing initiatives to improve 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 have also been pivotal in addressing non-medical drivers of health like housing, food, and transportation.
Medicaid Expansion has played a significant role in improving health outcomes for children and families in North Carolina. Since becoming the 41st state to expand Medicaid over a year ago, more than 640,000 people have gained healthcare coverage. This expansion provides greater access to essential care, contributing to healthier pregnancies. Studies indicate that states with expanded Medicaid experience better maternal and infant outcomes.
Key points from the 2023 Infant and Child Mortality Data include:
- The overall infant mortality rate in North Carolina rose slightly from 2022 to 6.9 deaths per 1,000 births.
- The youth suicide rate has increased over two decades, with suicide being a leading cause of death for youth aged 10-18.
- The child homicide rate remains high due to a rise in firearm-related homicides.
To address these issues, NCDHHS is collaborating with NCDPS and the state's Office of Violence Prevention on strategies against firearm-related injuries and deaths. A safe storage campaign includes distributing gun locks and safes through community organizations and local health departments. The Office of Violence Prevention has invested in 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 the trends in preventable child fatalities related to violence and injury."
NCDHHS remains committed to creating a healthier North Carolina for all residents by ensuring access to appropriate care when needed.
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