Programs cut infant mortality

Thursday, Feb. 7, 2002 | 9:58 a.m.

A fall in infant mortality rates in Nevada can be linked, at least in part, to an emphasis on continuing care programs, health officials said Wednesday.

During the past 10 years infant deaths have decreased 21.8 percent, one of the lowest rates in the nation, according to information released by state biostatistician Dr. Wei Yang.

Nevada ranks 16th best in the nation regarding infant mortality; it ranked as one of the worst for infant death rates in the 1970s and 1980s, Yang said.

For example, in 2000, 30,130 infants were born in Nevada. There were 195 infant deaths that year. In 1990 the state had 21,400, births and 177 deaths, he said.

Also, state health officials reported that Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) deaths fell 62.8 percent during the same period, Yang said.

The lower rates can be attributed to early intervention by health officials and education programs aimed toward at-risk parents, Yang said Wednesday.

"Prenatal care is one of the Nevada State Health Division's top priorities," Yvonne Sylva, state Health Division administrator, said.

"We know hard work and focusing on access to care directly contributes to Nevada's positive trend in reducing the infant mortality rate," Sylva said. "We're keenly aware that early and continuous prenatal care not only results in healthier babies, but in less expensive care."

"Prenatal care does make a difference," said Linda Yi, director of the University Medical Center's Family Resource Center. The center served 1,300 people in January.

The center, in operation the past four years, offers pre-natal classes, registration for Nevada Checkup -- a program for uninsured children -- Medicaid and even babysitting classes, Yi, a registered nurse, said.

The center, which has a staff of 10 and gets about $500,000 annually in federal and state grants, is having an impact, Yi said. "It's gratifying to hear the state's statistics, because I personally see a difference," she said.

The center now offers a childbirth class in Spanish, Yi said. The center is also offering information to obstetricians and pediatricians, she said.