Wyoming, known for its breathtaking natural beauty, also grapples with some of the nation’s most concerning health outcomes. Particularly alarming is the high rate of infant mortality, especially prevalent within Native American communities.
Infant mortality, defined as the death of a child before their first birthday, is a critical concern. In 2021, the national average for infant mortality, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stood at 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births.
However, Wyoming’s rate was 6.9, ranking the state 40th in the nation.
Within Wyoming, significant disparities exist based on race and ethnicity. Babies born to American Indian/Alaska Native individuals face an alarming infant mortality rate of 14.7, more than double the rate for all other infants.
This represents the highest rate among any racial or ethnic group in the state and is among the highest in the nation.
Illustrating this distressing trend is Riverton, a city situated in Fremont County. With a population of approximately 11,000, including 10% Native American residents, Riverton is closely linked to the Wind River Indian Reservation, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes.
About Fremont County’s Infant Mortality Rates
As per the Wyoming Department of Health, Fremont County recorded an infant mortality rate of 9.5 in 2022, ranking as the third-highest among all counties in the state. Additionally, the county reported the highest percentage of births to individuals identifying as American Indian/Alaska Native, standing at 23.4%.
The Reasons Behind Infant Mortality
The reasons behind infant mortality are intricate and varied. However, some factors contributing to the elevated rates in Riverton and Fremont County encompass:
Lack of Availability of High-Quality Prenatal Care
Numerous expectant individuals in the region encounter challenges like transportation, expenses, insurance, and cultural considerations when accessing healthcare services.
In 2022, the March of Dimes reported that only 66.7% of pregnant individuals in Wyoming received sufficient prenatal care, falling below the national average of 77.1%.
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High Frequency of Risk Factors for Mothers
Certain factors elevate the risk of preterm birth and infant mortality, such as smoking, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and a history of preterm birth.
In Wyoming, 11.9% of individuals giving birth smoked during pregnancy, 2.3% had hypertension, 1.1% had diabetes, 31% had an unhealthy weight, and 3.9% had experienced a previous preterm birth in 2022.
These percentages were notably higher among American Indian/Alaska Native individuals giving birth, who also faced elevated rates of poverty, substance abuse, and domestic violence.
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Neonatal Critical Care Units Are Limited (NICUs).
NICUs, or Neonatal Intensive Care Units, are dedicated facilities that offer specialized care for newborns who are premature, have low birth weight, or face other complications. Wyoming currently has only four NICUs situated in Cheyenne, Casper, Gillette, and Cody.
As a result, infants born in rural areas such as Riverton often need to be transported over considerable distances to access the necessary care. This situation can introduce additional risks and challenges for both the babies and their families.
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To Conclude
The high infant mortality rate in Wyoming, especially in Native American communities, poses a major public health problem. Inadequate access to quality prenatal care, combined with common maternal risk factors and limited availability of neonatal intensive care units (NICU), significantly contribute to this issue.
By introducing a variety of interventions, Wyoming can establish a healthcare system that adequately assists all mothers and their infants, irrespective of race, ethnicity, or geographical location.
Ultimately, these initiatives can result in a healthier future for all Wyoming residents, with lower infant mortality rates and increased chances for every child to flourish.
