This factsheet illustrates the disproportionately high burden of fetal-infant deaths experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) in Washington State. The findings presented in this factsheet were developed by a collaborative workgroup with representatives from the Urban Indian Health Institute, local and state departments of health in WA (Public Health Seattle & King County) and OR, and individuals and members of American Indian/Alaska Native organizations in WA, ID and OR, such as the Native American Women’s Dialogue on Infant Mortality and Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board. By sharing this information widely we hope to mobilize communities, organizations, and governments to take action in addressing the needs of pregnant, parenting and care-giving AI/AN.
The Perintal Periods of Risk (PPOR) approach was used to examine fetal-infant deaths in a way that is simple and easy to communicate to a wide range of audiences. The PPOR approach includes steps for community engagement in the results and lends itself to community driven solutions as it highlights areas of need and suggests interventions that can reduce fetal-infant deaths. While this factsheet focuses on fetal-infant deaths among American Indians and Alaska Natives in Washington State, the method can be applied to other areas. If you are interested in collaborating with UIHI to examine fetal-infant death and potential interventions in your area please contact info@uihi.org.
