DCHD Releases PPOR Report on Infant Mortality
Updated: January 23, 2025
Delaware County Health Department Releases PPOR Report on Infant Mortality
In recognition of National Maternal Health Awareness Day, the Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) released the findings of its 2016-2020 Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) report. The report highlights racial disparities in infant mortality rates and identifies areas to improve maternal and infant health outcomes in the county. The PPOR report findings in Delaware County mirror trends found in Pennsylvania and across the United States.
The National Center for Health Statistics shows that the provisional infant mortality rate for the United States in 2022 rose 3% from 2021, the first year-to-year increase in the rate since 2001 to 2002. From 2002 to 2021, the U.S. infant mortality rate declined 22%. Pennsylvania and Delaware County followed this same national trend of a long period of decline followed by an increase in infant mortality as of 2022. Delaware County’s rate rose from 5.3 per 1,000 births in 2021 to 7.2 per 1,000 births in 2022. Note, at the county level these single-year rates involve small numbers that should be interpreted cautiously.
Previous PPOR reports were completed for Delaware County by The Foundation for Delaware County for the periods 2008-2012 and 2012-2016. This PPOR report was completed by DCHD for the period 2016-2020. At least 5 years of final data are needed for the PPOR methodology. DCHD’s report identified higher rates of very low birth weight (VLBW) births as a leading factor contributing to the excess infant mortality among Black mothers. Racial disparities in fetal and infant deaths persist and, in some cases, have increased. Chronic conditions such as gestational diabetes and hypertension were more prevalent among Black mothers, while Black infants faced higher rates of prematurity and respiratory distress. Gaps in maternal and infant medical care before, during, and after birth were associated with higher mortality rates.
“Our goal is to use these data to inform and support ongoing collaborations to address the root causes of infant mortality and health disparities in Delaware County,” said Delaware County Health Department Director Lora Siegmann Werner. “The findings in this report reinforce the critical need to continue working together with community partners to improve health outcomes for all our families.”
DCHD identified promoting maternal, parental, and infant health as one of the three priority areas under the department’s Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP). DCHD’s goals selected by partner organizations under this priority area include and are not limited to improving access to and awareness of community and medical services (including specialized perinatal care and certified doula support); decreasing opioid misuse during pregnancy; and preventing infant deaths. DCHD is incredibly grateful to be collaborating with the following partners on our CHIP maternal, parental, and infant health workgroup: ChesPenn, The Foundation for Delaware County, Main Line Health, Maternity Care Coalition, Pettaway Pursuit Foundation, Recovery Works, Upper Darby Recovery Without Barriers, Once Upon a Preemie, AFAHO, Widener, Crozer Medical Center in Chester, State Representative Gina Curry, Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Health Plans, Temple University, Villanova University, Delaware County Department of Human Services, Murphy’s Giving Market, MVP Recovery, Chester City Bureau of Health, AmeriHealth Caritas, Latino Connection Foundation, Delaware County Community College, Geisinger, Media Food Bank, Family & Community Service of Delaware County, DCIU, Child and Family Focus Inc., PHMC, Total Childcare Initiative, EDSI, and the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
“For over thirty years, The Foundation for Delaware County's programs, including WIC, Healthy Start, and Nurse-Family Partnership, have worked tirelessly to address maternal and infant health disparities in Delaware County. The PPOR study confirms a stark reality: Black mothers in Delaware County face higher rates of fetal and infant deaths compared to white mothers. To tackle the disparities, our programs and services provide comprehensive support, address the social determinants of health, and connect people to important resources, including doulas, depression treatment, nutrition counseling, health education, and more. By providing a village of care, we can help to support healthy pregnancies and positive maternal and birth outcomes.” - Joanne Craig, Chief Impact Officer, The Foundation for Delaware County.
Full 2016-2020 Perinatal Periods of Risk (PPOR) Report
For more information, please contact the Delaware County Wellness Line at (484) 276-2100 or by email DelcoWellness@co.delaware.pa.us.
