Facts About Our Cause
Too Many Babies Are Dying
FACT: 1 in 141 babies die in the U.S. each year. Babies within the first 28 days are twice as likely to die as older babies.
recent trends in Infant Mortality Rates »
Source: Center for Disease Control
FACT: There are approximately 20,000 newborn deaths within their first month of life and close to 30,000 in the first year. Source: WebMD
FACT: Babies born in the US are twice as likely to die than many other developed countries, including Sweden, Japan and Spain; the United States is ranked 36th among 196 nations.
US ranking in Infant Mortality Rates »
Source: World Health Organization
Miscommunication Can Often Lead to Mistakes
FACT: 1 out of every 25 hospital patients are injured as a result of medical errors.
FACT: Miscommunication is the #1 reason medical errors occur.
FACT: Hospitalized babies and children are often most at risk.
Source: "To Err is Human: Building a Safer Healthcare System," Institute of Medicine, 1999 Report
Emergency Pediatric Care Needs Our Help
FACT: Children make up 27% of all emergency department (ED) visits, but only 6% of EDs in the U.S. have the necessary supplies for pediatric emergencies.
FACT: Many drugs and medical devices have not been adequately tested on, or dosed properly for, children – including babies.
FACT: Although pediatric skills deteriorate quickly without practice, continuing education in pediatric care is not required or is extremely limited for many prehospital emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
FACT: Emergency medical services and emergency departments are not well equipped to handle pediatric care. Most children receive emergency care in general (not children's) hospitals, which are less likley to have pediatric expertise, equipment, and policies in place for the care of children.
Source: "The Future of Emergency Care," Institute of Medicine, 2006 Report
