Representative Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (TX-26) introduced House Resolution 402 directing Congress to observe September as Infant Mortality Awareness Month. Today, the House of Representatives passed this resolution.

“Infant mortality rates are appalling,” said Rep. Michael Burgess. “As we have seen in various news reports, Tarrant County, back in my North Texas district, has a higher infant mortality rate than the national average. This is unacceptable in today’s high standard of health care.”

Infant mortality is still a significant cause of death in the United States. In 2002, the infant morality rate in the United States reached 7 deaths per 1000 live births, the first increase since 1958, ranking the United States 28^th among industrialized nations in the rate of infant mortality. Among minorities, the problem is especially devastating--the mortality rate for African American women is more than double that of Caucasian women.

“With passage of this legislation, and other important measures like the reauthorization of Community Health Centers, I hope we can stop this devastating trend,” said Rep. Michael Burgess.

The goals of Infant Mortality Awareness Month are to increase national awareness of infant mortality and contributing factors, and to urge community leaders to assist in efforts to meet the objective of reducing the rate of infant mortality in this country by 2010.

Congressman Burgess has been working actively for several years to tackle this issue both from local and national levels. He has worked to get funding in the Labor-Health and Human Services annual Appropriations bill that would give support to local entities whose mission is to curb infant mortality. A perfect example of this mission in practice is occurring in Fort Worth today through the Fort Worth Infant Mortality Task Force.

"So goes the health of the mother; so goes the health of the family; so goes the health of our country,” said Jerry Roberson, President, Infant Mortality Task Force. “Congressman Michael Burgess is of extreme importance to the issue of infant mortality. He is not only a physician, but a policy maker. More importantly, he is a policy maker who understands the depths of infant mortality.”

The Fort Worth Infant Mortality Task Force is an evidence-driven initiative focused on saving the lives of our communities most vulnerable. It is dedicated to access and coordination of services, research and oversight and health and intervention.

“As an obstetrician, I understand how important pre-natal health is to the well-being of babies,” said Rep. Michael Burgess. “I hope that this resolution helps increase awareness on the national level and encourage communities to do a better job in protecting the health and well-being of their mothers and babies.”