Forsyth County health staff report modest declines in preterm births but persistent racial gap in infant deaths

Forsyth County Department of Public Health staff reported to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners that preterm births and low-birth-weight births have trended downward from 2019 to 2023, but the county—s infant mortality rate and large racial disparities persist.

The presentation, given by Joshua Swift of the health department, said Forsyth—s infant mortality rate for 2023 was 6.8 deaths per 1,000 live births compared with a 6.9 statewide rate, and that non-Hispanic Black infants in the county experienced 14.1 deaths per 1,000 live births versus 4.8 per 1,000 for White infants, a disparity ratio of 2.94.

Swift told commissioners the department reviewed multiple measures that influence infant mortality, including preterm birth (delivery before 37 weeks) and low birth weight (under 5.5 pounds). Forsyth—s preterm birth share was 10.9 percent in the period shown, about even with the state rate of 10.8 percent; low-birth-weight births were 9.9 percent in Forsyth versus a 9.4 percent state average.

Swift outlined local programs intended to reduce infant deaths and improve…