Too many families experience the death of an infant in Buncombe County. Thirteen infants died in 2012 and in 2013 the number increased to 27, making our infant death rate higher than state and national averages. Buncombe County’s infant mortality rate is nearly double for African American babies than white babies. September is Infant Mortality Awareness Month and with that, we want the community to have a more complete picture of the factors associated with infant mortality and what we are doing to prevent infant deaths.
If we are to be successful, certain conditions need to exist to help more babies reach their first birthday. The data collected through the Buncombe County Community Health Assessment tells us that preconception health is …show more content…
The basic step of putting your baby to sleep on their back, alone in the crib (no bumpers, blankets, or toys) is one of the most important steps you can take to keep infants alive.
Children under six years of age are most at risk of abuse and neglect in Buncombe County, especially if an unrelated caregiver is in the picture. So it’s important to know who is watching your child. Do they have a short fuse? Experience caring for a fussy baby? If you suspect abuse or neglect of a child in our county, call 828-250-5900. One phone call can connect a family to the help that they need to bond and thrive.
Financial stress is hard for parents, especially with an infant in the home. Assistance from programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) can help put nutritious food on the table. Trying to find a job is also stressful. Services like Work First can help parents can get short-term job training and childcare assistance to enable self-sufficiency and move into full time employment.
If you know of a first-time, pregnant woman who might need help getting ready for parenthood, please call NFP at (828) 250-5072. You can also dial 211 to get connected to other programs like Triple P, a program that helps with parenting
If we are to be successful, certain conditions need to exist to help more babies reach their first birthday. The data collected through the Buncombe County Community Health Assessment tells us that preconception health is …show more content…
The basic step of putting your baby to sleep on their back, alone in the crib (no bumpers, blankets, or toys) is one of the most important steps you can take to keep infants alive.
Children under six years of age are most at risk of abuse and neglect in Buncombe County, especially if an unrelated caregiver is in the picture. So it’s important to know who is watching your child. Do they have a short fuse? Experience caring for a fussy baby? If you suspect abuse or neglect of a child in our county, call 828-250-5900. One phone call can connect a family to the help that they need to bond and thrive.
Financial stress is hard for parents, especially with an infant in the home. Assistance from programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and FNS (Food and Nutrition Services) can help put nutritious food on the table. Trying to find a job is also stressful. Services like Work First can help parents can get short-term job training and childcare assistance to enable self-sufficiency and move into full time employment.
If you know of a first-time, pregnant woman who might need help getting ready for parenthood, please call NFP at (828) 250-5072. You can also dial 211 to get connected to other programs like Triple P, a program that helps with parenting