Md. reports decline in infant mortality

Maryland health officials say the state's infant mortality rate has reached its lowest annual rate in 10 years.

John M. Colmers, secretary of the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, told members of a General Assembly committee on Wednesday that preliminary data indicate the rate dropped 10 percent in 2009. There were 7.2 infant deaths per 1,000 live births, down from eight infant deaths per 1,000 live births in 2008.

However, officials cautioned that more must be done to prevent infant mortality in the black community. State and local officials have targeted Baltimore city and Prince George's and Somerset counties for numerous programs, including pre-pregnancy health services, pre- and postnatal services and comprehensive follow-up care for new mothers and their babies.

-- Associated Press