The Illinois Department of Public Health reported that infant mortality in the state has decreased to 5.6 deaths per 1000 births in 2021. The Healthy Illinois 2028 State Health Improvement Plan, a $23 million initiative pushed by Governor Pritzker, aims to address maternal and child healthcare gaps.
The leading causes of infant deaths in Illinois are the effects of prematurity, fetal malnutrition, birth defects, sudden unexpected infant death, and pregnancy or delivery complications. The mortality rate is nearly three times higher for those born to Black women compared to White, Hispanic, and Asian women.
Lowering these rates is one of the main priorities of the IDPH plan. Through an evidence-based approach, the state aims to distribute grants to support the needs of community-based healthcare providers, training and technical support for hospitals, more ongoing data collection, home visiting, and case management programs to support pregnant and postpartum women and infants, and continued support for culturally accessible safe infant sleep programs.
Other state efforts include a diaper pilot program, changes to Medicaid reimbursement rates, and a child tax credit for lower-income families.
