Know What to Do for Life

Did you know that African American infants are nearly two-and-half times more likely to die before their first birthday than white babies? Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), preterm birth, and low birth weight are the leading causes of death for African American infants.

Know What to Do for Life is an educational campaign to help reduce the infant mortality rate among African Americans by promoting risk reduction of SIDS, preterm birth, and low birth weight.

Closing the Health Gap

Infant Mortality and African Americans

Photo courtesy of March of Dimes

Infant mortality is defined as the death of a baby before his or her first birthday. It is an important measure of the well being of a population and the nation. Despite substantial reductions in U.S. infant mortality during the past several decades, black-white disparities persist.

Fact Sheet