Montana has a relatively low population density and a significant number of rural residents. Despite this, there are disparities in health and well-being across different regions of the state.
The latest data from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) reveals that Billings, in particular, has a notable high infant mortality rate.
What is Infant Mortality
A child who passes away before turning one year old is said to have experienced infant mortality. Because it takes into account the social, economic, and environmental elements that influence the health of mothers and children, it is an often used measure of the general state of health in a population.
The number of baby deaths per 1,000 live births is used to determine the infant mortality rate.
About Montana City’s Infant Mortality Statistics
Based on the 2020 Montana Vital Statistics report, the state recorded an infant mortality rate of 4.9, slightly below the national average of 5.6. However, significant variations were observed among different counties and cities within the state.
Yellowstone County reported the highest infant mortality rate at 7.6. Within Yellowstone County, the city of Billings exhibited an even higher rate of 8.2.
This indicates that Billings had nearly double the infant mortality rate compared to the state average and almost 50% higher than the national average. Conversely, Missoula had the lowest infant mortality rate in the state at 2.4.
Read More: Raising Awareness: This South Dakota City Struggles With Troubling Infant Mortality Statistics
Possible Reasons for This Disparity
Congenital defects, preterm birth and low birth weight, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and unintentional accidents are among the top causes of infant death in Montana, according to the DPHHS.
Numerous risk variables, including maternal age, color and ethnicity, income, education, and access to prenatal care, as well as smoking, alcohol misuse, and environmental dangers, all have an impact on these causes.
Although a breakdown of these risk variables by county or city is not included in the DPHHS study, some broad trends can be seen in other sources.
Read More: Breaking Ties: Tennessee’s Highest Divorce Rates Revealed in This City
Possible Solutions for Infant Mortality
To tackle the problem of infant mortality, the DPHHS has introduced various initiatives, including the Fetal Infant Child Mortality Review (FICMR), the Newborn Screening Monitoring System (NBS), the Maternal Mortality Review Committee (MMRC), and the Perinatal Quality Collaborative of Montana (PQCMT).
These efforts are designed to gather and assess data, recognize and overcome gaps and obstacles, enhance the quality and safety of healthcare, and advocate for best practices and guidance for healthcare professionals and families.
The DPHHS does, however, also recognize that lowering infant mortality calls for an all-encompassing, cooperative strategy that includes not only the health sector but also the social services, education, justice, environmental, and economic sectors in addition to the community and family support networks.
“We must work together to ensure that every mother and baby in Montana has the opportunity to thrive,” DPHHS director Adam Meier stated in a press release.
Read More: Raising Awareness: This City in Colorado Confronts Harsh Reality of Being Domestic Violence Capital
To Conclude
Billings, Montana, is confronted with a harsh reality: its rate of infant mortality surpasses both state and national averages by a significant margin. While the reasons are multifaceted, ranging from congenital abnormalities to social determinants of health, the repercussions are undeniable.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has taken commendable strides through initiatives such as FICMR and PQCMT to collect data, pinpoint gaps, and enhance healthcare quality. Nonetheless, the director’s plea for a united effort strikes a chord.
Addressing this imbalance demands action beyond the confines of healthcare alone. Collaboration among social services, education, justice, environmental, and economic sectors is imperative to foster a supportive environment for mothers and infants. Community and familial support networks are equally indispensable.
