Hamilton County has achieved its lowest infant mortality rate in 25 years, according to a recent report by the Cincinnati Enquirer. In 2023, out of 10,026 babies born in the county, 55 died before their first birthday, marking an infant mortality rate of 5.5 per 1,000 live births. This is the lowest rate recorded since at least 2000, nearly matching the national average of below 5.5.
Cradle Cincinnati, formed over a decade ago to combat high infant mortality rates in Hamilton County, sees this improvement as a testament to ongoing efforts to enhance maternal and infant health. Dr. Elizabeth Kelly, Co-founder of Cradle Cincinnati, emphasized the emotional impact behind the statistics, urging recognition of each child lost.
This milestone is significant for a county that once ranked second highest in infant mortality nationwide back in 2011. Since the formation of Cradle Cincinnati in 2013, efforts have aimed to reduce the county’s infant mortality rate, which historically affected Hamilton County families more than the national average.
The report also highlighted progress in reducing Black infant mortality rates in Hamilton County, dropping to single digits for the first time. However, disparities persist, with Black families still 2.5 times more likely to experience infant loss compared to white families.
Efforts continue to address challenges such as sleep-related infant deaths, which, despite a decline, remain higher than the national average in Hamilton County. Cradle Cincinnati advocates for safe sleep practices and supports initiatives like providing cribs to families in need.
Moving forward, Cradle Cincinnati plans to release a comprehensive five-year plan to further address these issues, aiming to build on recent gains in infant health across the county.
