Chicago, IL

We are working together to address the issues furthering health inequities for families in Chicago.

Diverse coworkers around a table with a computer

Our Work Together

Partnering with local government, state leaders, corporate health partners and community-based organizations and stakeholders, our Local Collective Impact Initiative will confront these challenges by implementing solutions to achieve health and racial equity for all moms and babies.

CHALLENGES FACING LOCAL MOMS AND BABIES

Chicago is a diverse, bustling city of about 2.7 million people (29% Black, 28% Latino or Hispanic) and about 32,000 live births a year. More than half of the city is located in Cook County, one of the most populous counties in the U.S. While the city has many positive attributes, such as being home to leading universities, an array of cultural attractions, several fortune 500 companies, it also has challenges.

Poverty, alongside factors such as inadequate access to health care and being uninsured help fuel the local maternal and infant health crisis. These factors contribute to high rates of preterm birth and infant mortality, particularly for communities of color.

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PRETERM BIRTH BY RACE/ETHNICITY

Chicago, 2017-2019 Average

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All race categories exclude Hispanics. Preterm birth is defined as birth before the 37th week of pregnancy.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics, final natality data. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from www.marchofdimes.org/peristats.

INFANT MORTALITY RATES BY RACE/ETHNICITY

Cook County, 2016-2018 Average

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All race categories exclude Hispanics. An infant death occurs within the first year of life.

Source: National Center for Health Statistics, period linked birth/infant death data. Retrieved August 11, 2021, from www.marchofdimes.org/peristats.

Elizabeth Oladeinde MPH, MBA, PMP

Director, Maternal & Child Health Collective Impact

Phone: 224-250-5913

Email

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GET INVOLVED

Every family can have the best possible start. But today, too many moms and babies are dying or experiencing serious health complications related to childbirth­—and far too many are moms and babies of color. Only by working together can we confront inequities and ensure the health and wellbeing of every family.

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