Ohio, C; Mahoning County, F when it comes to pre-term births

LIBERTY

When it comes to preterm birth rates, Ohio received a “C,” but Mahoning County fared much worse with an “F.”

“The health of our babies determines the health of our community,” said Connie Knight, the March of Dimes Mahoning Valley’s community director. Knight was among those who spoke to several dozen business leaders and others during a breakfast today at the Youngstown Country Club, 1402 Country Club Drive, to look at tackling the Mahoning Valley’s high incidence of premature births and infant mortality. The March of Dimes hosted the 90-minute gathering that also recognized World Prematurity Awareness Day, which was Tuesday.

According to this year’s March of Dimes Premature Birth report card, Ohio’s preterm birth rate was 10.3 percent, compared with the national average of 9.6 percent. Mahoning County’s rate was about 14.1 percent in 2013, Knight explained, noting that premature birth is the leading cause of infant mortality.

Also, the rate is considerably higher for black mothers than for white mothers, the report card shows.

Grades are assigned by comparing 2014’s preterm birth rate across a state or local area to the March of Dimes’ goal of 8.1 percent by 2020, according to the agency.

Main causes for the county’s high premature birth rate include a greater number of impoverished areas, fewer women obtaining maternal care and a lack of social supports. Many unwed mothers may have no one to help them with daily problems and stress, which can lead to having a baby before full term, Knight continued.

Read more about the situation in Wednesday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.