A resolution expressing support for the goals and ideals of National Infant Mortality Awareness Month 2009.

Whereas infant mortality refers to the death of a baby before his or her first birthday;

Whereas the United States ranks 29^th among industrialized nations in the rate of infant mortality;

Whereas premature birth, low-birth weight, and shorter gestation periods account for more than 60 percent of infant deaths in the United States;

Whereas high rates of infant mortality are especially prevalent in communities with large minority populations, high rates of unemployment and poverty, and limited access to safe housing and medical providers;

Whereas premature birth is a leading cause of infant mortality and, according to the Institute of Medicine, costs the United States more than $26,000,000,000 annually;

Whereas infant mortality rates can be substantially reduced through community-based services such as outreach, home visitation, case management, health education, and interconceptional care;

Whereas support for community-based programs to reduce infant mortality can result in lower future spending on medical interventions, special education, and other social services that may be needed for infants and children who are born with a low-birth weight;

Whereas the United States Department of Health and Human Services, through the Office of Minority Health, has implemented the A Healthy Baby Begins With You campaign;

Whereas public awareness and education campaigns on infant mortality are held during the month of September 2009; and

Whereas September 2009 has been designated as National Infant Mortality Awareness Month: Now, therefore, be it