Appalachian infant death rates point to healthcare deficit

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. Infant death rates in Appalachia remain significantly higher than much of the rest of the country, and are especially high in the central Appalachian region, according to Penn State health policy researchers. The percentage of infant deaths in the United States declined throughout the 20th century, including in Appalachia. However, according to recent data there continue to be more white infant deaths in Appalachia than throughout much of the rest of the nation. "Infant mortality is viewed as an overall marker of public health in general, so the infant mortality rate is very important," said Marianne M. Hillemeier, associate professor of health policy and administration and demography. "It's followed in the U.S. very closely, and it's followed internationally as an important indicator of overall health." According to the Centers for Disease Control, as of 2005 the United States ranks 30th in the world for infant mortality. Two-thirds of infant deaths occur in the first 28 days of life, but if a child dies before his or her first birthday, it is still considered an infant death.