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A workgroup comprised of representatives from each agency and other subject matter experts will oversee the implementation of the plan, including determinations as how to allocate resources to various initiatives. A rubric that summarizes the plan is included in the appendix and includes the specific metrics that can be used to assess the success of these interventions.

APPENDIX 1: SOUTH CAROLINA’S HEALTHY MOTHER, HEALTHY BABIES INFANT MORTALITY REDUCTION PLAN

South Carolina, a Model of Success

South Carolina is a sister southern state which has implemented several successful programs to address infant mortality, and many of these interventions may serve as models for our efforts in Alabama. Alabama and South Carolina share similar numbers of total residents, numbers of births, racial and socioeconomic distributions, and also high rates of infant mortality. The leading causes of IMR in South Carolina are the same leading causes of IMR in Alabama; however, for the past two decades, South Carolina has intensely focused on efforts to decrease infant mortality. Beginning in 1997, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DEHC) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) entered into collaboration to address infant mortality within the state. Because of these efforts, the South Carolina IMR of 9.5 infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 1997 has decreased by 26.3% to an IMR of 7.0 in 2016. By comparison, Alabama’s IMR in 1997 was 9.5 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, but by 2016 the IMR had only decreased by 4.2% to a rate of 9.1. Numerous programs and initiatives were created to address infant mortality and these processes continue to improve birth outcomes in the state. Components of the 1997 collaboration included the following:  Targeted education for families with children: topics included sexual abstinence, STD/HIV prevention programs, parenting programs, and programs that promote maternal and infant health  SCHIP: Partners for Healthy Children  Postpartum Newborn Home Visitation Program: provide home visits to newborns and mothers within 48 to 72 hours after hospital discharge  Care Line: a toll-free line that provides assistance, support, and information regarding infant care, family planning, prenatal care, child care, transportation to medical appointments  SC Black Infant Program: dedicated to reducing infant mortality in the black community by assisting parents in accessing information and resources  Perinatal Regionalization: system that includes early-risk assessments and referral to facilities that may provide appropriate levels of care; coordination and communication between hospitals and the community providers; monitoring of system through data; ensuring access to services from preconception through a baby’s first year of life