Sudden Infant Death Syndrome is just one of the reasons why Texas has an infant mortality rate that’s among the worst for industrialized nations. Other reasons include large portions of poverty in the state and many in the population who don't have access to health care. The state also has a problem with the death rate for women who die in child birth.
Premature birth is the leading cause of infant death. Even those who survive an early birth can face lifelong health problems, including cerebral palsy and developmental delays.
The University of Texas System with funding from the Texas Department of state health services is working with the UT Health Northeast in Tyler to improve these grim statistics – by providing support to the Texas Collaborative for Healthy Mothers and Babies.
Doctor David Lakey is the UT System associate vice chancellor for population health.
