Report reveals more work to be done to ensure best chances for infants in KC

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A recent report has revealed that more work may need to be done in Kansas City to ensure all mothers and infants have the best chances.

Nurture KC has announced that its 20th Anniversary Report on the Kansas City, Missouri, Fetal Infant Mortality Review has been released. The review highlights decades of efforts to improve infant health and address racial disparities in mortality rates.

According to the organization, FIMR’s Community Review Team includes physicians, advocates and health workers. review cases and recommend interventions to reduce the high mortality rate among Black babies.

Since it was founded, Nurture KC said the FIMR has reviewed 404 cases and launched key initiatives like the Nurturing Safe Sleep Initiative to expand hospital safe sleep certifications. Other efforts include the Prenatal Care Algorithm Tool and the Perinatal Bereavement Alliance.

Led by dedicated coordinators and volunteers, organization leaders said FIMR continues to shape policies and improve birth outcomes.

“This report highlights our work to combat infant mortality,” said Tracy Russell, Executive Director of Nurture KC. “While we’ve made progress, there is more to do.”

The report revealed that “even among Black mothers in the lowest-risk age range (20-34), fetal and infant mortality rates were unacceptably high.” Meanwhile, teen pregnancies and pregnancies among those up to the age of 34 have declined over the study period (2004-2021).

The report suggested a focused effort on equity to improve outcomes for all mothers and infants in Kansas City’s high-risk areas. Recommendations include:

• Those who give birth should have access to quality and equitable health services before, during and after pregnancy including but not limited to medical care, transportation, housing, child care and food security.
• Families and caregivers should practice safe sleep during nap time, bedtime and every time.
• Families should be educated on decreased fetal movement and when to seek care.
• Stillborn infants should have a thorough external exam documented and standard of care labs offered to the parents.
• Bereaved families and caregivers should be offered a scene reenactment for sleep-related deaths by trauma-informed trained personnel.
• Families should be educated on the importance of prenatal vaccinations and pediatric vaccinations.
• Families and caregivers should be educated on the importance of Vitamin K istration during the neonatal period.

To view the full report, click HERE.

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