As part of its efforts to ensure that children grow up healthy, AACF has been part of efforts to reduce infant deaths in Arkansas. According to the Arkansas Department of Health, Arkansas continues to have one of highest infant mortality rates in the nation. According to national data, Arkansas currently ranks 35th. In Arkansas, African Americans account for only 20% of the state’s births, however they make up 33% of the total infant deaths.

Presidents of local chapters of African American sororities from across the state are being mobilized at the ADH under the name “SISTERS UNITED” to make a difference in the number of infants who die before their first birthday. The graduate chapters of these sororities, which include Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, and Sigma Gamma Rho, are working together to spread messages in the African American community aimed at reducing the state’s infant mortality rate. When the Sisters United members go out to talk to young women in their communities, they can talk about what can be done to prevent infant deaths including ensuring pregnant women and new mothers raise healthy babies.

SISTERS UNITED will produce YouTube videos highlighting four focus areas including folic acid, annual flu shots, breastfeeding, and safe sleep. The first in the series can be seen above.

For more information about SISTERS UNITED, please contact Dr. Michelle R. Smith, PhD, MPH, the Director, Office of Minority Health & Health Disparities at the Arkansas Department of Health at michelle.r.smith@arkansas.gov or by phone at (501) 280-4192.