3rd Annual NICHD Infant Mortality Awareness 5-Kilometer Run/Walk/Roll

September 27, 2012

Sponsor/Co-Sponsor(s)

Division of Special Populations (DSP) and Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch, NICHD; American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists; Baltimore City Health Start; First Candle; March of Dimes; NIH Federal Credit Union; NIH Recreation & Welfare Association (R&W); Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS); Office of Research Services, Division of Amenities and Transportation Services; Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Location:

NIH Main Campus, Bethesda, Maryland

Purpose:

2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the NICHD. In keeping with the many contributions NICHD research has made to reducing infant mortality, the Institute welcomes all HHS staff and their families to the 3rd Annual Infant Mortality Awareness 5K Run/Walk/Roll.

Infant mortality is one of the most important indicators of the health of a nation. According to a National Center for Health Statistics data brief issued in 2008, the United States ranked 29th in the world in infant mortality. Medical research, public health outreach, and social services have helped the overall U.S. infant mortality rate to decline during the 20th century. In spite of this general decline, infant mortality rates for certain populations, including African American, Puerto Rican, and American Indian/Alaskan Native infants remain above the U.S. average of 6.7 per 1,000 live births.

The NIH is committed to conducting and supporting research that reduces the high U.S. infant mortality rate, and the disparate rates that impact communities of color. The event will begin in front of Building 1 on the NIH main campus at 11:30 a.m. as part of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month. This event aims to raise awareness about infant mortality and highlight current research and future efforts to further reduce infant mortality in the United States during a run/walk/roll around the NIH campus.

More Information

Contact:

Dr. Regina James, DSP, NICHD
Tel: (301) 435-2692
E-mail: rjames@mail.nih.gov

Please note: Views expressed during NICHD-sponsored events do not necessarily reflect the opinions or the official positions of NICHD, NIH, or HHS.
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