Clothesline of Onesies to Represent Infant Mortality in Rochester Area
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The Perinatal Network of Monroe County is launching a new awareness campaign about the high rate of infant mortality in our region.
A clothesline will be on display in several places around Monroe County. Each onesie represents a baby under the age of one who died in Monroe County in 2011.
There were 54 of them. Most of those babies were African-American.
Leaders say most infant deaths happen within the first month of life, because babies are premature and have low birth weights. Leading causes for that include smoking, mothers who have infections, inflammations, who are either overweight or underweight or are stressed.
"How, where does a healthy baby start? A healthy baby begins with a healthy girl. Healthy baby begins with a school district that supports health. Healthy baby begins with pediatric and family medicine practice that understands the need for preconception health. Healthy baby begins with our communities and neighborhoods," said Patricia Brantingham, Perinatal Network Executive Director.
The onesies will be on display throughout September.
If you'd like to get involved, decorate a onesie, or hang some in your workplace, call the Perinatal Network at 546-4930.