The NICHD Division of Special Populations recently cosponsored a 5-Kilometer Run/Walk/Roll to raise awareness of infant mortality, one of the most important indicators of a nation’s health. The event was cosponsored by First Candle, the NIH Office of Research Services, the NIH Recreation and Welfare Association, the NIH Federal Credit Union, National Healthy Start, Inc., the Baltimore City Healthy Start; the Office of Minority Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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 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 and ultimately eliminates the high infant mortality rate, and the disparate rates that impact communities of color.
Introductory talks were provided by NICHD Deputy Director Yvonne Maddox and Scientific Director Constantine Stratakis. Participants warmed up with a series of stretching exercises led by the NIH R&W staff, then began the race.
The slideshow below provides highlights of the event. You may also view all slides.
Caroline Signore, Program Director of the NICHD Pregnancy & Perinatology Branch, waves as she joins walkers at the event, a show of NIH's commitment to reducing infant mortality rate. According to a National Center for Health Statistics data brief issued in 2008, the United States ranked 29th in the world in infant mortality.
Leaders from local radio and the NICHD gathered Sept. 28 to kick off the second annual campus 5K run/walk/roll to raise awareness of infant mortality. Shown are special guest Justine Love, Director of Community/Public Affairs of CBS Radio of Washington; Laura Clark, CBS Radio Director of Political and Government Affairs; NICHD Deputy Director Yvonne Maddox; Constantine Stratakis, Scientific Director of the Division of Intramural Research; Regina James, Director of the Division of Special Populations; Rosemary Higgins, Program Director of the Pregnancy & Perinatology Branch; and Shavon Artis, of the NICHD Public Information & Communications Branch.
Runners set off on a course that circled the NIH campus, following introductory remarks by NICHD officials and the starting whistle.
###
About the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD): The NICHD sponsors research on development, before and after birth; maternal, child, and family health; reproductive biology and population issues; and medical rehabilitation. For more information, visit the Institute’s Web site at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/.
BACK TO TOP