Forsyth, Guilford See Improvements In Infant Death Rate

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released its most recent infant mortality statistics Monday.

The state average in 2014 was 7.1 infant deaths for every 1,000 live births. That's a slight increase from 2013, when it was 7.0.

Guilford County's rate was nearly eight per 1,000 births, but that was an improvement over the previous year. Forsyth County also saw a decrease: its figure dropped from 8.2 to 6.4.

Complications from prematurity and low birth weight were leading contributors to infant mortality statewide.

DHHS Deputy Secretary Dr. Randall Williams says the state's most recent budget includes money to improve birth outcomes. Those funds will be allocated through competitive grants for local health departments.