Six big ideas: Overview of the sacim's recommendations for infant mortality

In 2010, the U.S. ranked 24th in infant mortality compared to other industrialized nations of the world. Infant mortality is a reflection of a society's commitment to ensuring access to health care, adequate nutrition, a healthy psychosocial and physical environment, and sufficient income to prevent the adverse consequences of poverty. While progress has been made in reducing U.S. infant mortality rates, the nation must do more to address not only the overall number of infant deaths, but also the disproportionate burden of infant mortality shouldered by racial/ethnic minorities and the poor. In June, 2012, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius made a commitment to the development of the nation's first national strategy to reduce infant mortality. She subsequently asked her Advisory Committee on Infant Mortality (SACIM) to make recommendations to serve as the framework for an official federal action plan. This session will present an overview of SACIM's charge, process, and recommendations as presented to the Secretary in November 2012. The Secretary's response, key developments, and aims for moving forward also will be discussed. (N=169)