Disparities persist in infant mortality rates despites overall improvements in Mecklenburg County

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Infant death rates are improving in Mecklenburg County, according to the county Public Health Department. 

2026-04-06

The 2025 Infant Mortality Report showed that overall infant deaths have been trending down in the last 10 years. From 2014-2023, the overall rate of infant mortality in Mecklenburg County decreased to 5 infant deaths per 1,000 births. 

"Mecklenburg County has a vision that all babies born in our county are born health and reach their optimal potential," said Kimberly Scott, Mecklenburg County Public Health Interim Director. This statement was issued by the Mecklenburg County Public Health's Maternal and Child Health Division. 

While infant death rates improve, health disparities are still disproportionately affecting Black infants.

Every year about 70 babies in Mecklenburg County die before their first birthdays. Black infants are over 3.5 times more likely to die before the age of one compared to white babies, and twice as likely as Hispanic infants. 

Infants born in crescent neighborhoods in the county died at higher rates than in the wedge or suburbs -- showing how access to healthcare and environmental factors play a role in public health. 

A major cause of infant deaths is associated with socioeconomic factors like teen pregnancy, exposure to air pollution and chronic stress related to experiencing racism and living in poverty. 

The second leading cause of deaths are birth defects. the most common cause of injury-related deaths was Sudden Unexpected Infant Death, also known as SUID. It is still widely unknown what causes this condition. Thirdly, infants experiencing accidental suffocation or strangulation in bed is a contributing factor to infant mortality rates.

Racial disparities also affect mothers. Black and Hispanic mothers experience higher rates of preterm delivery, C-sections, gestational diabetes and gestational hypertension. 

"It takes a community effort to reduce infant mortality and keep moms, moms-to-be, babies and families safe and healthy," said Elisabeth Pordes, Mecklenburg County Public Health senior health program manager for the Prenatal to Five Initiative. "In uncertain times, a unified, unwavering commitment to improving infant health and maternal health is more necessary than ever."