Overview   |   Objectives   |   Activities   |   Time Frame  


 

OVERVIEW


 

Founded in 1988, the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition is dedicated to promoting and improving the well being of infants, children, women, and families through advocacy, education, and community empowerment. Our main objectives are directed to overcome critical barriers such as, poverty and racism that prevent the achievement of maternal and child wellness.

 "The infant mortality rate is the most sensitive index of the status of economic and social development of any country."   – Helen M. Wallace, M.D., M.P.H.1

 

Illinois’ ranking among the states regarding infant mortality has improved dramatically over the past two decades, with most of the progress occurring since 1990. In 1980, Illinois’ infant mortality rate ranked 47th among the states and the District of Columbia. By 1990 the state’s ranking was 44th and by 2002 the state had moved up to 30th.

 

There are many factors that contribute to the improvement of the state's infant mortality rate, just as there are many factors that contribute to the problem of infant mortality. There have been significant improvements in medical and pharmacological treatments for the conditions that in the past took the lives of infants who were born prematurely. Illinois has maintained one of the best systems of hospital-based perinatal care services in the nation.  Illinois’ success in improving maternal and child health services can partially be accredited to the collaboration between the Illinois Departments of Human Services, Public Health and Healthcare and Family Services.

 

While Illinois has made steady progress in the overall reduction of infant mortality, a significant disparity persists between African-American and Caucasian infants. An African-American infant born in Illinois in 2003 was 2.6 times more likely than a Caucasian infant to die before reaching its first birthday. This disparity has persisted for many years and must no longer be accepted. The state has made the reduction of racial disparities in health status, especially among society’s most vulnerable members, a top priority.

 

Women dying from childbirth is not a common occurrence. The current maternal mortality ratio is 7.1 per 100,000 live births with an increased risk of a pregnancy related death for African American women, older women, and women with no prenatal care (Berg et al, 2003)2   . However, the Healthy People 2010 Objectives set a goal of 3.3 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and 5.0 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births among African American women.

     

Illinois has faced similar disappointing trends in maternal mortality. 

  •  Between 1982 - 1996 the overall maternal mortality ratio was 7.5 / 100,000 live births

  • Maternal mortality ratio for African American women was 21.3 / 100,000 live births compared to 4.3 for white women

  • The black to white ratio of 5.0 was one of the highest in the nation nation (MMWR, June 1999)

It has been more than 20 year since Illinois has brought together service providers, legislators, community residents and advocates to develop a plan for improving the quality of life for women, infant, children and families in Illinois.  In 2006, technology has advanced to the point where infants born prematurely have a much greater chance of survival than infants born too soon even 10 years ago.  However, the infant mortality rate in many communities throughout Illinois is still double the national and state averages and the gap between African American and Caucasians has grown since 1986.

 

The Maternal and Infant Mortality Summit, to be held on October 24 and 25, 2007, can aid us in expanding our understanding of the barriers which exist that prevent us from improving the infant morality rate as well as maternal health in all communities of the state.  In addition, this summit will allow concerned individuals from various organizations and institutions to come together to dialogue and develop a comprehensive plan for improving maternal and child health throughout the state of Illinois. 

 

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OBJECTIVES


The objectives of this summit are as follows:
 

A

Convene a collaboration of stakeholders around maternal and child health issues to ensure input into a statewide maternal and infant health improvement plan.

 
B

Educate and mobilize community residents to advocate for comprehensive, quality maternal and child health services in their community.

 
C

Develop recommendations for a comprehensive, coordinated statewide maternal and infant health plan that addresses prevention, health care services and the environment to improve the health of women and infants in Illinois.

 

 

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ACTIVITIES
 

A

Review published research and other materials related to infant and maternal mortality.
 
B

Engage 500 stakeholders in 10 community hearings held throughout Illinois.
 
C

Involve community residents in identifying issues that impact maternal and infant mortality.
 
D

Conduct the Maternal and Infant Mortality Summit to discuss, prioritize and develop a plan to improve the health of women and infants in Illinois.
 
E

Develop and disseminate strategies to implement the recommendations from the Maternal and Infant Mortality Improvement Plan.
 


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TIME FRAME
 

1

January, 2006 establish the Illinois Maternal & Infant Mortality Steering Committee

 
2

April – June, 2007, conduct 10 meetings with stakeholders and five to seven community town hall meetings or forums throughout Illinois, to identify community needs as it relates to maternal and child health and begin soliciting recommendations for a statewide plan.

 
3

Early October, host the Illinois Maternal and Infant Mortality Summit

 
4

January, 2008 complete the Maternal and Infant Mortality Improvement Plan and develop recommendations and action steps. Distribute the plan to maternal and child health stakeholders, policy leaders, elected officials, government leaders and community residents.

 

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__________________________________________________________________________

1. Wallace, Helen.  Infant Mortality.  In Wallace, H.M., Ryan, G.M., and Ogelsby, A.C. (eds.)  (1988) Maternal and Child Health Practices: Third Edition.  Oakland, CA: Third Party Publishing.  p. 411.

2. Geller, E Stacie, PhD. Associate Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Director, National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health, University of Illinois, Chicago