DC infant mortality rate lowest ever, but still higher the national rate

WASHINGTON (AP) _ There's mixed news on D-C's infant mortality rate. On the bright side, it's hit and all-time low. But it's still higher than the national rate. <br/><br/>The city health

Monday, October 24th 2005, 12:41 pm

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ There's mixed news on D-C's infant mortality rate. On the bright side, it's hit and all-time low. But it's still higher than the national rate.

The city health department is releasing figures from 2003, the latest year available. It shows there were ten deaths per one-thousand live births. Along with being a record low, it also reflects a 45-percent reduction over a decade. And D-C's rate is lower than cities of similar size, including Baltimore and Richmond.

But with the national infant mortality rate at almost seven per one-thousand live births, the District is still higher.

Health Director Doctor Gregg Pane says the city needs to look at several issues, including mothers who are substance abusers or have conditions like obesity.