The Forsyth County government meeting on September 25, 2025, spotlighted a critical public health issue: infant mortality rates. The discussion revealed that while the overall infant mortality rate in Forsyth County stands at 6.8 per 1,000 live births—slightly below the state average of 6.9—there is a troubling disparity affecting non-Hispanic Black infants.

The data presented highlighted that Black infants face a mortality rate of 14.1 per 1,000 live births, compared to just 4.8 for White infants. This stark contrast indicates that Black infants are nearly three times more likely to die before their first birthday than their White counterparts. The meeting underscored the urgent need to address these disparities, which are also reflected in rates of low birth weight and preterm births, where Black children are similarly at a higher risk.

Officials acknowledged the importance of these statistics, emphasizing that they are not just numbers but indicators of systemic issues that require immediate attention. The meeting also addressed some discrepancies in the data presented, with officials promising to provide corrected handouts to ensure clarity.

As Forsyth County continues to analyze these troubling trends, the focus remains on developing strategies to improve health outcomes for all infants, particularly those in marginalized communities. The implications of these findings are significant, calling for targeted interventions to reduce the disparities and enhance the overall health of the county's youngest residents.