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Health director: 13 child deaths reviewed in 2024; commissioners receive local child fatality prevention report
Summary
Halifax County health director presented the 2024 Child Fatality Prevention Team annual report to commissioners, reporting 13 reviewed child deaths (including three homicides by firearm) and recommended continuing advocacy on prevention, recreation and mental‑health resources; the board voted to receive the report.
Halifax County Health Director Cheyenne James presented the county’s 2024 Child Fatality Prevention Team report and the Halifax County Board of Commissioners voted to receive the document.
James told the board the local child fatality team reviewed 13 child deaths in 2024. In the figures she presented, those cases included three homicides involving firearms, eight deaths connected to congenital or perinatal conditions, one poisoning and one malignant neoplasm of the brain. James said three cases were referred to the state team for intensive review. She stressed that portions of case files are sensitive; the local team works with families, law enforcement and medical providers.
The report listed recommended prevention actions and priorities the team plans to press at the state and local levels. James highlighted advocacy for funding and programs for recreational and after‑school enrichment, relationships with community providers, and expanded prevention education (for example, safe sleep messaging and seat‑belt and car‑seat programs). She also described local services the health department provides — including a car‑seat distribution and training program and a positive‑parenting program — and the team’s role in elevating prevention recommendations to the state child fatality review process.
Commissioners asked clarifying questions about homicide causes, perinatal conditions and whether the team captures suicide statistics; James said two of the homicides were firearm wounds and a third was under state review. She said the team will provide additional breakdowns and is working with local law enforcement and partners to coordinate prevention efforts.
The board voted to receive the report with no additional county action requested; James and commissioners discussed follow‑up engagement with partners to pursue prevention programs.
The report will be used to inform the county’s prevention priorities and to shape recommendations that the team forwards to the state-level child fatality review process.
