RESOLUTION NO. RS2013-860

A resolution recognizing National Infant Mortality Awareness Month - September 2013.

WHEREAS, ‘infant mortality’ refers to the death of a baby before his or her first birthday; and

WHEREAS, the United States ranks 29th among industrialized countries in the rate of infant mortality; and

WHEREAS, high rates of infant mortality are especially prevalent in communities with large minority populations, high rates of unemployment and poverty, and limited access to safe housing and medical providers; and

WHEREAS, premature birth is a leading cause of infant mortality; and

WHEREAS, according to the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies, premature birth costs the United States more than $26,000,000,000 annually; and

WHEREAS, infant mortality can be substantially reduced through community-based services such as outreach, home visitation, case management, health education, and interconceptional care; and

WHEREAS, support for community-based programs to reduce infant mortality can result in lower future spending on medical interventions, special education, and other social services that may be needed for infants and children who are born with a low birth weight; and

WHEREAS, the Department of Health and Human Services, through the Office of Minority Health, has implemented the ‘A Healthy Baby Begins With You’ campaign; and

WHEREAS, the Maternal and Child Health Bureau of the Health Resources and Services Administration has provided national leadership on the issue of infant mortality; and

WHEREAS, public awareness and education campaigns on infant mortality are held during the month of September each year and September 2013 has been designated as ‘National Infant Mortality Awareness Month.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing National Infant Mortality Awareness Month - September 2013.

Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jerry Maynard, Karen Johnson, Edith Taylor Langster, Sheri Weiner, Burkley Allen, Sean McGuire, Josh Stites, Jason Holleman, Lonnell Matthews, Walter Hunt, Davette Blalock, Ronnie Steine, Fabian Bedne

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	September 17, 2013
Adopted:	September 17, 2013
Approved:	September 18, 2013
By: