What is Infant Mortality?
Infant mortality, which refers to the death of an infant during the first year of life, is a good indicator of the health of mothers and children. In 2017, the CDC reported the five leading causes of infant death were birth defects, preterm birth and low birth weight, maternal pregnancy complications, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and injuries (e.g., suffocation).
Year 1 and 2 Progress UpdateLead Agency: Klamath County Public Health
Infant mortality was a new priority focus in the community and there was not a work group currently in existence to focus on this work. Through its Title V funding, Klamath County Public Health took the lead and formed a task force that was subsequently named Trends on Thriving (TOTs). Participation was better than expected and created a workplan with foundational goals as well as some loftier goals. Year One was primarily focused on spreading awareness and providing community education on safe sleep.
The Direct On-Scene Education (DOSE) program educational materials are ready and Cribs for Kids safe sleep items such as Pack ‘n’ Plays and sleep sacks are available for distribution. With the help of TOTs, Sky Lakes Family Birth Center earned Cribs for Kids National Safe Sleep Gold Standard Certification. The COVID pandemic and staff turnover at partner agencies significantly delayed several projects. TOTs temporarily shifted focus to other projects such as creating educational materials and working on referral systems to better connect pregnant women to needed services such as prenatal care and substance use treatment. A strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis was conducted to guide workplan activities. Some strategies in the workplan were abandoned and some new ones were added.
What does the data say?
We've gathered together 3 key comparisons to help us see the big picture.
Overview
In 2017, Klamath County's infant mortality rate was in the worst 25% of counties in Oregon.
Klamath County has consistently had a higher infant mortality rate than the state of Oregon. Even though the rate has decreased from 12 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2012 to 10.1 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2017, the rate is still almost double the 2017 value for both Oregon (5.4) and the entire United States (5.8).
|
About the Trends on Thriving (TOTs) Workgroup The TOTs Workgroup originally formed in 2019 in response to maternal and child health needs in our community. We are a group of individuals and organizations that share the common goal of reducing Klamath County’s infant mortality rate by providing resources to parents and families to help our children have the opportunity to a healthy start in life. |
|
 |
GOAL
Reduce infant mortality in Klamath County
Objective 1: Reduce low birthweight to 7% by June 30, 2022
Strategy 1: Increase enrollment in and utilization of prenatal care
Sep
2023
2023
Task 1: CHA has incentive program for women who complete their prenatal appointments
Process Measure: Number of women who receive the incentive.Quarterly TrackingOct-Dec 2019 Jan-Mar 2020 Apr-Jun 2020 July-Sept 2020 21 23 9 32 Oct-Dec 2020 Jan-Mar 2021 Apr-Jun 2021 July-Sept 2021 19 30 7 7 Oct-Dec 2021 Jan-Mar 2022 Apr-Jun 2022 July-Sept 2022 6 Task 2: Work with a pilot clinic to run reports for prenatal appt no shows and implement an automatic referral to case management (Cascades East and/or KHP)
Process Measure: Number of referrals from clinic.Quarterly TrackingOct-Dec 2020Jan-Mar 2021Apr-Jun 2021July-Sept 2021Oct-Dec 2019 Jan-Mar 2020 Apr-Jun 2020 Jul-Sep 2020 Not Started Initial conversations started Report built at CEFP and are reaching out to the identified no-shows Identified 5 no shows and 3/5 have already been followed up with Oct-Dec 2020 Jan-Mar 2021 Apr-Jun 2021 July-Sept 2021 Cascades East reported Total No Shows: 18
2 of these did not reschedule r/t establishing with another OB provider.
13 were seen within 2 weeks of missed appt (8/11 were seen within a week of the missed appt).
2 patients were unable to be reached to reschedule
1 patient miscarried and this was the reason for the missed apptCascades East reported Total No Shows: 25 3 of these did not reschedule r/t establishing with another OB provider. CEFM total OB No-shows: 19
2 patients have been in contact with the provider or RN, but have not come back into clinic.
1 patient no-showed June 30 and we have not followed-up as of yet.
4: attempted to contact, unable to reach
Oct-Dec 2020 Jan-Mar 2021 Apr-Jun 2021 July-Sept 2021 KCPH spoke with Sky Lakes Women's Clinic and Heartfelt OBGYN.They both have a thorough follow-up protocol for women not showing up for prenatal appt; they have few no shows. Cascades East total no-shows: 163 of these were attributed to 1 patient2 of these were attributed to 1 patient8 of the 16 were rescheduled and seen within 1 week of the missed appointment5 of the 16 were rescheduled and seen within 2 weeks of the missed appointment3 of the 16 had multiple attempts to contact.The patient that accounted for 3 of the no shows was finally seen.The patient that accounted for 2 of the no shows is scheduled to be seen.Task 3: Support and promote Healthy Klamath Connects and UpLift referral systems for case management for pregnant women
Process Measure: Number of TCM referrals for prenatal care.Quarterly TrackingOct-Dec 2020 Jan-Mar 2021 Apr-Jun 2021 July-Sept 2021 4 referrals from UpLift to CHA maternity case management (MCM). 0 referrals from HKC to CHA MCM (referrals could be getting sent from HKC to other MCM programs) 7 referrals from UPLiFT to CHA MCM. 0 referrals from HKC to CHA MCM 6 referrals from UPLiFT to CHA MCM, 1 from HKC. 4 referrals from UPLiFT to CHA MCM. 1 referral to CHA MCM from HKC. Oct-Dec 2021 Jan-Mar 2022 Apr-Jun 2022 July-Sept 2022 Preliminary conversations with Cascades East about claiming their maternity case management program on HKC; they are evaluating their needs. 0 referrals from HKC to CHA MCM. 6 referrals from UPLiFT to CHA MCM.
Strategy 2: Reduce tobacco and substance use among pregnant mothers
Sep
2023
2023
Task 1: Pregnancy Hope Center to host a smoking cessation class for pregnant smokers
Process Measure: Number of classes hosted, Number of participants.Quarterly TrackingOct-Dec 2019 Jan-Mar 2020 Apr-Jun 2020 Jul-Sep 2020 Conversations have begun, but no planning yet. 1 class: 2/20/2020 No additional classes hosted due to COVID. Complete. Complete Oct-Dec 2020 Jan-Mar 2021 Apr-Jun 2021 July-Sept 2021 No activity this quarter The Pregnancy Hope Center tentatively has a smoking cessation class scheduled April 25 – Jun 10 and is awaiting confirmation from the facilitator The Pregnancy Hope Center worked to identify a facilitator for the Freedom from Smoking class. Hope Center met with CHA about smoking cessation class for pregnant women. Tribal Health using tobacco during pregnancy brochure in Success Kits at Wellness Center. Copies also given to Sky Lakes Women's Clinic, Cascades East and Heartfelt. Oct-Dec 2021 Jan-Mar 2022 Apr-Jun 2022 July-Sept 2022 KCPH continued to seek a Freedom from Smoking facilitator to teach a hybrid smoking cessation class for the Pregnancy Hope Center. Task 2: Upload to healthyklamath.org and promote letter/fact sheet for Obstetricians and PCPs with X Waivers co-authored by an OB/PCP on how to safely prescribe MAT for drug addicted pregnant women
Task 3: Develop educational resource on the effects of methamphetamine use during pregnancy; include treatment information
Process Measure: Number of resources developed, number of partners distributing resource.Quarterly TrackingOct-Dec 2021 Jan-Mar 2021 Apr-Jun 2021 July-Sept 2021 No activity this quarter
Strategy 3: Ensure access to healthy foods among pregnant mothers and their babies
Sep
2023
2023
Task 1: Promote KFOM, Farmers Market, and Produce Connection at organizations and clinics serving pregnant women
Process Measure: Number of utilizers of WIC produce connection.Quarterly TrackingOct-Dec 2019 Jan-Mar 2020 Apr-Jun 2020 Jul-Sept 2020 October 3,4, 10, 11, 17, 25, 25, 31, Nov 1, 7, 8: 82 bags of produce, 2750 lbs to avg 92 people each week. On hold On hold due to COVID On hold due to COVID Oct-Dec 2020 Jan-Mar 2021 Apr-Jun 2021 Jul-Sept 2021 On hold due to COVID KFOM received a small grant to create promotional materials and will partner with TOTs. The Produce Connection will partner with TOTs for promotion during the upcoming season Shared Produce Connection's (PC) summer schedule with TOTs: Healthy Families shared with families. Early Learning Hub shared PC info with Klamath PAC, on FB and with UPLiFT referrals. OCDC shared on FB and with families. KCPH shared Farmers Market info on SNAP Double Up Food Bucks program with TOTs. Relief Nursery shared with families. No WIC Farmers Market vouchers this summer due to COVID. KCPH/TOTs met with KFOM manager to plan joint promotional materials for distribution in fall/winter. Oct-Dec 2021 Jan-Mar 2022 Apr-Jun 2022 Jul-Sept 2022 KFOM will temporarily close during the winter season to build a more sustainable foundation and to seek funding for paid staff. They hope to reopen in April or May Task 2: Set up WIC with Healthy Klamath Connects referral platform and promote its use among partners. Continue partnering with UpLift to connect pregnant women with WIC
Process measure: Number of referrals to WIC from Healthy Klamath Connects and UpLiftOct-Dec 2020 Jan-Mar 2021 Apr-Jun 2021 Jul-Sept 2021 WIC is in the HKC platform and KCPH has claimed the program. 3 referrals submitted by CHA. 4 referrals from UpLift to WIC 3 referrals from UPLiFT to WIC. 2 referrals to WIC from HKC 8 referrals from UPLiFT to WIC. 0 referals to WIC from HKC. 2 referrals to WIC from UPLiFT. 0 referrals to WIC from HKC. Oct-Dec 2021 Jan-Mar 2022 Apr-Jun 2022 Jul-Sept 2022 6 referrals from UPLiFT to WIC. 0 referrals from HKC to WIC
Strategy 4: Explore the adverse effects of poor air quality on low birthweight and infant mortality and provide education in order to reduce exposure
Sep
2023
2023
Task 1: Explore team building and project design with OHSU and OSU researchers for potential wristband study on effects of poor outdoor air quality on pregnancy outcomes
Process Measure: Number of meetings held to provide local support for building a research team and designing the project.Quarterly TrackingOct-Dec 2021 Jan-Mar 2022 Apr-Jun 2022 July-Sept 2022 The wildfire smoke and infant health project was funded for team building and project design. 4 planning meetings were held. The team will submit an application for a 9 - 12 month pilot project in January. Task 2: Design educational materials for pregnant mothers and parents/caregivers of infants about the adverse effects of poor air quality and recommendations for minimizing exposure
Process Measure: Number of educational materials designed, number of agencies sharing materials.Quarterly TrackingOct-Dec 2021 Jan-Mar 2022 Apr-Jun 2022 July-Sept 2022 KCPH developed 1st draft of "Wildfire Smoke and Your Baby" infographic.
Objective 2: Reduce preventable infant deaths within the first year of life to 6 per 1000 live births by June 30, 2020
Strategy 1: Form a cross-jurisdictional work group to coordinate efforts and ensure consistent messaging
Sep
2023
2023
Task 1: KCPH to coordinate and facilitate meetings
Process Measure: Number of meetings held and number of attendees at meetings.Quarterly TrackingOct-Dec 2021 Jan-Mar 2022 Apr-Jun 2022 July-Sept 2022 Meeting held on 11/12/2021: 12 participants
Strategy 2: Increase knowledge among families with children about safe sleep practices
Sep
2023
2023
Task 1: Implement the Direct On Scene Education (DOSE) program
Process Measure: Number of responders trained + number of CHWs/student RNs trainedQuarterly TrackingOct-Dec 2019 Jan-Mar 2020 Apr-Jun 2020 Jul-Sept 2020 Zero, but funding commitments have been secured Some materials have been obtained. Envelope designed. Due to COVID, trainings on hold. Envelope and supplemental materials ordered. KFD1 is catching up on required trianings and will shoot for October DOSE training. Oct-Dec 2020 Jan-Mar 2021 Apr-Jun 2021 Jul-Sept 2021 On hold due to COVID On hold due to COVID KCFD #1 prepared to train all personnel on DOSE by end of August. KDFD #1 brought on a training chief who has been tasked with getting the entire department trained in DOSE by the end of November. Oct-Dec 2021 Jan-Mar 2022 Apr-Jun 2022 Jul-Sept 2022 Klamath County Fire District #1 planned to train all staff on DOSE in December with implementation by January 1. Task 2: Re-Publish an Op-Ed written by a provider (or two!) about safe sleep. Post on partner social media sites
Process Measure: Number of articles published and number of social media posts.Quarterly TrackingOct-Dec 2019 Jan-Mar 2020 Apr-Jun 2020 Jul-Sept 2020 Draft article written. Published in BZP Living Well newspaper None Safe sleep post in English and Spanish posted to WIC , Take Root and BZP FB pages. Complete Oct-Dec 2020 Jan-Mar 2021 Apr-Jun 2021 Jul-Sept 2021 No activity this quarter No activity this quarter Sky Lakes published "The ABCs of Safe Sleep" article in Summer 2021 Live Smart Magazine coinciding with Family Birth Center's Cribs for Kids Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Safe sleep materials distributed at Klamath Tribes' Health Row during Restoration. Oct-Dec 2021 Jan-Mar 2022 Apr-Jun 2022 Jul-Sept 2022 KCPH shared a safe sleep video and post on Facebook during October, SIDS Awareness Month. TOTs/Pregnancy Hope Center safe sleep video shared with TOTs partners; content translated to Spanish and audio recorded. Task 3: Host at least two trainings (one English one Spanish) to educate grandparents and other family caregivers of current safe sleep practices for their infant family members
Process Measure: Number of trainings + attendeesQuarterly TrackingOct-Dec 2020 Jan-Mar 2021 Apr-Jun 2021 Jul-Sept 2021 On hold due to COVID On hold due to COVID KCPH connected with Senior Center to present training concept at July board meeting KCPH and OCDC planned a training session at the Senior Center in Nov Oct-Dec 2021 Jan-Mar 2022 Apr-Jun 2022 Jul-Sept 2022 Scheduled OCDC facilitator to present infant safe sleep training at Senior Center's Muffin Mondays veterans group on February 28.
Strategy 3: Ensure access to resources needed for safe sleep practices
Sep
2023
2023
Task 1: Assist OCDC in applying for funding for Cribs for Kids program
Process Measure: Number of applications submitted and letters of support provided.Quarterly TrackingOct-Dec 2020 Jan-Mar 2021 Apr-Jun 2021 Jul-Sept 2021 1 application, 3 LOS. Pregnancy Hope Center applied for Pacific Power Foundation grant to fund car seat and Cribs for Kids programs with LOS from Fire District #1, KCPH and TOTs The Pregnancy Hope Center (PHC) received $2,500 grant for car seat and Cribs for Kids programs. 1 application and 1 LOS for PHC's application to Avista grant; they did not receive it KCPH used Title V funds to purchase 15 Cribs for Kids (CFK) safe sleep survival kits for the Family Birth Center, and 15 for the Pregnancy Hope Center (PHC). PHC became a licensed CFK partner and certified Safe Sleep Ambassador. 2 families completed ed. requirements to earn a survival kit at PHC. PHC is purchasing more survival kits and will apply for a 2022 PacifiCorp grant to purchase more cribs. Oct-Dec 2021 Jan-Mar 2022 Apr-Jun 2022 Jul-Sept 2022 Pregnancy Hope Center ordered 12 more cribs for those who attend the Safe Sleep parenting class and applied for a grant for more cribs (and car seats) through Pacific Power Foundation on Dec. 15.
Infant Mortality in Klamath County
Use the drop down to explore infant mortality in Klamath County
6.4 deaths/ 1,000 live births
This indicator shows the mortality rate in deaths per 1,000 live births for infants within their first year of life.
Data Source: Oregon Health Authority, Public Health Division
Mothers who Smoked During Pregnancy
At 13.3%, the percentage of mothers who smoked during pregnancy is almost twice the national value (6.9%) and almost nine times higher than the Healthy People 2020 target of just 1.6%. Smoking during pregnancy poses risks for both mother and fetus. A baby born to a mother who has smoked during her pregnancy is more likely to have less developed lungs and a lower birth weight, and is more likely to be born prematurely. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is estimated that smoking during pregnancy causes up to ten percent of all infant deaths. Even after a baby is born, secondhand smoking can contribute to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), asthma onset, and stunted growth.
Mothers who Smoked During Pregnancy
County: Klamath
There is some good news though - the percentage of Mothers who Smoked During Pregnancy is trending downwards.
Teen Pregnancy in Klamath County
Pregnant teens are less likely to receive prenatal care and are more likely to have pre-term or low birth weight babies. In 2017, Klamath County's teen pregnancy rate was 8.3 pregnancies per 1000 females aged 15-17. Since 2009, teen pregnancy rates have been decreasing significantly.
Teen Pregnancy Rate: 15-17-year-old
County: Klamath
Breastfeeding in Klamath County
The Klamath County Public Health Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program encourages mothers to breastfeed, unless there is a medical reason not to. WIC provides support to help mothers and infants be successful with breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding is when the infant only receives breast milk without any additional food or drink, not even water. Exclusively breastfeeding for the first 6 months is the optimal way to provide the nutrition an infant needs for healthy growth and development. Exclusive breastfeeding also helps to reduce infant mortality from illnesses. In 2017, according to the Klamath County Public Health WIC program, 32% of mothers enrolled in WIC were exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months. This has been consistently lower than the Oregon average at 43% for each year from 2015 to 2017.To learn more about breastfeeding objectives and strategies, please click the image below.
