March In Newark Raises Awareness About Black Infant Deaths

NEWARK, NJ — In New Jersey, black infants are more than three times as likely to die as white babies, according to experts. And a coalition of Garden State residents say it’s time to take action on an unjust mortality gap.

Recently, a group of activists calling themselves the New Jersey Birth Justice Collective took to the streets of Newark in an attempt to raise awareness and funds to support black infant and maternal health.

Advocates from Atlantic City, Camden and Trenton – including representatives from the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) – participated in a “Walk for Black Babies” on Sept. 23, marching to the steps of Newark City Hall and talking with local community members along the way.

The event was organized in solidarity with Families for Equity, Baby Please Birth Services, Sister to Sister Community Doula Program, Uzazi Village, NJ Breastfeeding Coalition, Ahava, Community Doulas of South Jersey, Perinatal Health Equity Foundation, Chocolate Milk Café/NY/NJ Chapter and Majuta Wellness and the New Jersey Department of Health.

According to organizers:

“The New Jersey Department of Health acknowledges that black infants in New Jersey are at risk of dying at three times the rate of white infants. The mission of these groups is to decrease this gap by developing evidence-based solutions to partnering establishments and to begin to employ more women in careers and jobs focused on ending this disparity and saving lives.”

Last year, the NJDOH announced that despite having an overall infant mortality rate that's below the national average, the state has a serious gap when it comes to race.

According to state health officials:

"Although the overall infant mortality rate in New Jersey is lower than the national rate (4.7 per 1,000 live births versus 5.9 per 1,000 live births in 2015), the disparity between white (3 per 1,000 births) and black infants (9.7 per 1,000 births) is extreme."

The state Legislative Black Caucus has said that a lack of access to proper health care, family support, housing and employment stability and awareness of resources are some of the issues that may contribute to the state's high mortality rate.

• See related article: New Jersey's Black Infants, Moms Face ‘Mortality Gap’
• See related article: Black-White Infant Mortality Gap Is ‘Shameful,’ Tammy Murphy Says
• See related article: Doulas Hired In Newark, Other Cities To Fight Baby Mortality Gap

Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.