Report: Montgomery County's infant mortality rate among worst in Ohio

Black infants are three times more likely to die before their first birthday than white babies, according to a report from Public Health Dayton and Montgomery County.

Montgomery County has the fifth worst infant mortality rate in Ohio, according to the report, which was released early this year.

White babies have an infant mortality rate of 4.5 per 1,000 live births, whereas black children have a rate of 14 per 1,000 births, the report finds.

Marianne Pohlmann, marketing director for Help Me Grow Brighter Futures, said Thursday that stress is the leading cause for high mortality rates.

"Fifty percent of infant deaths are premature births," Polhmann said. "High stress causes women to go into labor prematurely."

Help Me Grow Brighter Futures has 40 staff members who provide counseling, support and help women get to their doctor's appointments. They can be reached at 937-208-4769.