Dr. Louise Hayes to speak at Saturday event about infant mortality

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown pediatrician Dr. Louise Hayes is the featured speaker for the Greater Youngstown Community Dialogue on Racism’s Healthy Babies Block Party Saturday at the Youngstown Boys & Girls Club, 2105 Oak Hill Ave.

The primary purpose of the block party, which will take place from noon to 3 p.m., rain or shine, is to raise awareness about infant-mortality, which is measured by the number of babies who die before their first birthday, said the Rev. Edward Weisheimer, co-chairman of the Greater Youngstown Community Dialogue on Racism.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to share the fruits of interracial dialogue, the initiatives of medical and social-service agencies, and for the community to become better informed and to help reduce infant mortality,” said the Rev. Mr. Weisheimer.

He said Dr. Hayes, whom he described as a pioneering physician, gives “outstanding leadership in the efforts to raise awareness about and to address the needs concerning black infant mortality.”

Infant mortality has three leading causes. Read more about those and the event in Thursday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.