BIRMINGHAM, Ala. ( WBRC ) - Alabama’s infant mortality rate dropped from 7.8 to 7.1 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.

The decline represents progress in keeping more babies alive through their first year, health officials said.

“I do think it is all the programs working together… and the partners we collaborate with…and everyone in the state working together,” said Katie Campbell, perinatal health division director for ADPH.

Programs driving the improvement

Campbell oversees initiatives behind the state’s improvement, including prenatal telehealth visits in rural areas, “well woman” clinics that support health before, during and after pregnancy, and review teams who study every infant death to identify preventable factors.

“I think t

See Full Page