ALPENA — The mortality rate of babies in Northeast Michigan is climbing, while it is declining statewide, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services data shows.

According to MDHHS, infant mortality is defined as the death of a live born infant prior to their first birthday. MDHHS explained that the top causes of infant mortality are prematurity, low birth weight, congenital anomalies, accidents, and adverse outcomes.

In the District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) coverage area — which includes Alpena, Montmorency, Presque Isle, and Cheboygan counties — there were 592 live births and eight infant deaths, resulting in an infant mortality rate of 13.5, a 9.3 increase from 2020 (the 2021 rate could not be calculated), according to MDHHS. In 2023 there were 561 live births and 11 infant deaths, resulting in an infant mortality rate of 19.6, an 11.5 rate increase from 2022.

State infant mortality rates decreased from 650 deaths in 2022 to 607 in 2023, according to a June MDHHS press release. This is a decrease from 6.3 to 6.1 per 1,000 deaths, respectively.

In a January MDHHS press release, the state health department stated that for every 1,000 Michigan live births, more than six infants die before reaching their first birthday. In 2023, 607 infants under the age of 1 died, resulting in an infant mortality rate of 6.1. The total number of Michigan infants who died between 2013 and 2023 was 7,892.

Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director, said in the June 18 press release that the department is proud of the decrease of infant mortality rates, and that the department is committed to improving the health of mothers and infants.

“The dedication of Governor Whitmer and the legislature, quality work conducted by partners across the state and collaboration with Michigan families and communities are key to our current and future success,” Hertel said in the press release.

MDHHS stated that the department will continue to focus on the “Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies” initiative that was launched in 2021 to improve health outcomes and reduce disparities among mothers and infants. This initiative includes the expansion of postpartum Medicaid coverage and programs designed to assist mothers and families through pregnancy.

Doula services are one program that can positively impact the health of infants and mothers, according to MDHHS, and some providers may be covered by Medicaid.

MDHHS states that doulas provide non-clinical physical, emotional and educational support services to pregnant individuals during prenatal, labor, delivery, and postpartum periods. There are currently more than 700 doulas on the MDHHS Doula Registry, with nearly 500 of those Medicaid-enrolled providers, according to the press release. To access the MDHHS Doula Registry, visit michigan.gov/mdhhs/keep-mi-healthy/maternal-and-infant-health/mdhhs-doula-initiative/mdhhs-doula-registry.

A service located in Alpena also works to improve the health of infants and mothers in Northeast Michigan.

Tammie Nemeth, executive director for Options Pregnancy Center in Alpena, explained that Options Pregnancy Center improves mortality rates of mothers and infants by early detection of viable pregnancies through urine pregnancy tests and ultrasounds.

“We immediately educate expectant moms on the importance of prenatal care and supply them with prenatal vitamins to support healthy pregnancy,” Nemeth said. “We feel it is important to offer in-person healthy pregnancy, birthing and lactation classes, as knowledge significantly reduces stress of the unknown. We also help clients navigate community resources like WIC programs, DHHS, OB referrals, food and housing, which is important to protect both mom and baby with health care, wellness and stability.”

Further, Nemeth said that Options Pregnancy Center is a place that takes in consideration the emotional well-being of clients.

“We are a safe place that offers nonjudgmental emotional support, as life challenges can be fearful and overwhelming,” Nemeth said. “Because all of our services are free, we do not stand to gain financially from our clients, therefore our focus is simply to strengthen and undergird these courageous women.”

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.