Rep. Byrum offered the following resolution:

House Resolution No. 332. 

            A resolution to declare September 2010 as National Infant Mortality Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

            Whereas, Infant mortality refers to the death of a baby before his or her first birthday; and

            Whereas, Michigan has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the United States; and

            Whereas, Premature birth, low birth-weight and shorter gestation periods account for more than 60% of U.S. infant deaths; and

            Whereas, Factors that contribute to these alarming rates are: poverty, limited access to health care, stress, and diet & nutrition; and

            Whereas, Studies have shown that the cost of care for low birth weight babies has an estimated annual economic impact of $13 billion. While intensive neonatal care is an effective means to decrease infant mortality, a more cost-effective approach is to increase a pregnant woman’s participation in early prenatal care; and

            Whereas, Infant mortality rates can be substantially reduced through community-based services such as outreach, home visitation, case management, and health education; and

            Whereas, A coalition of organizations, led by the National Healthy Start Association, have worked diligently, to raise public awareness about infant mortality, including its causes and how best to prevent infant mortality in the United States; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare September 2010 as National Infant Mortality Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.