Too many Michigan babies are dying.
For every 1,000 babies born in our state, roughly seven won't make it to their first birthday. That's a full point higher than the national infant mortality rate. When you break that down by race, the numbers are more disturbing.
African-American babies are twice as likely to die before they turn one than white babies, and in some Michigan cities, that disparity is much higher.
Amy Zaagman, executive director of the Michigan Council for Maternal and Child Health, spoke with Stateside's Cynthia Canty about the slight improvement in Michigan's infant mortality rate and what else can be done to keep babies healthy and safe.
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